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FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2011  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://www.archive.org/details/introitsoranteOOalex 


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INTROITS: 


^ntc-»Eommunion    |)salm0 


SUNDAYS  AND  HOLY-DAYS 


^l)r0U9b0Ut  tl)e  gear 


Introibo  ad  Altare  Dei: 
—ad  Deom,  qui  laetificat  juventutem  meam. 


PHILADELPHIA : 
LINDSAY    &    BLAKISTON. 


1844. 


Entebbd.  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  forty-three,  by  Lindsay  Sc  Bxakisxoh,  in  the  Clerk's  OflBce  of 
the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


TO 


THE     RIGHT    REVEREND     FATHER    IN    GOD 


THE    BISHOP    OF    MARYLAND. 


HOMAGE 


AFFECTION    AND    RESPECT. 


B^otC^v    (p^svoc^ 


®o  tl)e  E^abcr, 


In  the  First  Prayer-book  of  King  Edward  the 
Sixth,  printed  in  1549,  are  to  be  found,  appropri- 
ated to  each  Sunday  and  Holy-day  in  the  Year,  cer- 
tain Psalms;  to  be  said  or  sung,  while  the  Priest 
was  entering  the  Chancel  to  perform  the  Offices  pre- 
ceding the  Communion.  From  the  circumstance  of 
their  position,   they   bore   the   name    of  Introits. 

The  introduction  of  this  portion  of  Service  has 
the  warrant  of  a  very  high  Antiquity,  and  it  has 
been  preserved  in  the  Roman  Church,  so  far  as 
epoch  and  source  and  name  (though  not  so  far  as  in- 
dividual selections)  are  concerned,  to  the  present  day. 

The  American  Church,  too,  has  recognized  in 
practice,  though  not  in  her  Liturgy,  the  use   of  such 


IV  TO    THE    READER. 

Psalms:  only,  their  determination  being  left  arbitrary 
with  the  Minister,  they  more  generally  refer  to  the 
Sermon  which  is  presently  to  be  preached,  than  to  the 
Epistle  and  Gospel  which  are  to  be  read,  or  the 
Lessons   for  the  Day  that   have  been  already  heard. 

The  following  pages  contain  metrical  Versions,  or 
Paraphrases,  of  the  Introits  in  King  Edward's  Book, 
as  (with  but  one  exception)  they  occur  there. 

Any  particulars  as  to  the  motives  or  aim  in  com- 
position seem  to  be  unnecessary;  unless  their  expres- 
sion were  capable  of  atoning  for  the  defects  in 
execution,  which  are  fully  perceived  and  felt:  they 
w^ould  be  any  how  out  of  place;  since  could  good 
intentions  compensate  for  failure,  there  would  be  an 
end  of  all   criticism. 

What  here  follows,  then,  is  given  in  the  simple 
hope,  tliat  it  may  not  be  without  interest  to  such  as 
find  pleasure  in  tracing  the  Scriptural  harmonies  and 
adaptations  that  are  observable  in  the  Services  of 
the   Church. 


Contents 


Dedication,      . 
To  THE  Reader, 
Overture, 
Prelude, 

Introits  for  the 
1st  Sunday  in  Advent, 
2d  Sunday  in  Advent, 
3d  Sunday  in  Advent, 
4th  Sunday  in  Advent, 
Christmas-day,  1st  Com. 
Christmas-day,  2d  Com. 
Feasts  of 

St.  Stephen  the  Martyr, 
St.  John  the  Evangelist, 
The  Holy  Innocents, 
Sunday  after  Christmas, 
The  Circumcision, 
The  Epiphany, 
1* 


Psalm 

i.  The  Wanderers, 

exx.  Not  Peace  but  a  Sword, 

iv.  The  Sentinels, 

V.  The  Fore-runner, 

xcviii.  EccE  I 

viii.  The  Promise, 

lit.  The  Seed  of  the  Church, 

xi.  The  Dove, 

Ixxix.  Rachel, 

cxxi.  The  Decaying  Lamp, 

cxxii.  The  Countersign,     . 

xcvi.  The  Star  in  the  East, 


13 
1.5 
17 
19 
21 
2.3 

25 
27 
29 
31 
33 
35 


CONTENTS. 


1st  Sunday  after  Epiphany, 
2d  Sunday  after  Epiphany, 
3d  Sunday  after  Epiphany, 
4th  Sunday  after  Epiphany, 
5th  Sunday  after  Epiphany, 
Septuagesima  Sunday, 
Sexagesima  Sunday, 
Quinquagesima  Sunday, 

Ash-Wednesday, 
1st  Sunday  in  Lent, 
2d  Sunday  in  Lent, 
3d  Sunday  in  Lent, 
4th  Sunday  in  Lent, 
5th  Sunday  in  Lent, 
6tli  Sunday  in  Lent, 

Good-Friday, 

Easter-Even, 
Easter-Day:  1st  Comm'n, 
Easter-Day:  2d  Comm'n, 

Monday  in  Easter  Week, 

Tuesday  in  Easter- Week, 
1st  Sunday  after  Easter, 
2d  Sunday  after  Easter, 
3d  Sunday  after  Easter, 
4th  Sunday  after  Easter, 
5th  Sunday  after  Easter, 

Ascension-Day, 
Sunday  after  Ascension, 


Psalm 

xiii.  The  Dying  Swan,     . 

xiv.  The  Exiles, 

XV.  The  Heirdom, 

ii.  The  Altar-fires  of  Moab, 

XX.  The  golden  Tile, 

xxiii.  The  Sheep-fold, 

xxiv.  The  Warders, 

xxvi.  The  Oratory, 

vi.  The  Fast  in  the  Desert, 

xxxii.  Withered  Flowers, 

cxxx.  The  Evening  Wind, 

xliii.  Dimness, 

xlvi.  The  Refoge, 

liv.  The  Listener, 

Ixi.  The  Cry  at  Night, 

xxii.  The  Wine-press, 
Ixxxviii.  The  Silent  Land. 

xvi.  The  Morning  Stars, 

iii.  EVENING-MISTS, 

Ixii.  The  Garland, 

cxiii.  The  Wells  of  Salvation, 

cxii.  Sdn-set, 

Ixx.  The  Pilgrim  by  Night, 

Ixxv.  The  Shadows  on  the  Wall, 

Ixxxii.  The  World-Prince, 

Ixxxiv.  The  Birds'  Nest,     . 

xlvii.  The  Banner  of  the  Gentiles, 

xciii.  Earth-chains, 


Whitsunday, 

Monday  in  Whitsun-week, 

Tuesday  in  Wliitsun-wcek, 

Trinity  Sunday, 

1st  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

2d    Sunday  after  Trinity, 

3d    Sunday  after  Trinity, 

4tli  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

6th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

6th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

7th  Simday  after  Trinity. 

Stli  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

9th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

10th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

11  th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

12th  Smiday  after  Trinity, 

IStli  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

14th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

15th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

16th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

17th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

18th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

19th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

20th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

21st  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

22d   Sunday  after  Trinity, 

23d   Sunday  after  Trinity, 

24th  Sunday  after  Trinity, 


CONTENTS.  Vll 

Psalm  Page 

xxxiii.  The  upper  Chamber,            .  93 

c,  The  Voice-spell,                  .  95 

ci.  Life-fruits,                ,             .  97 

Ixvii.  The  Increase  of  the  Earth,  99 

cxix.  1.  The  IIarp-echo,       .             .  101 

2.  The  Amulet,              .             .  103 

3.  The  Pilgrim,             .             .  105 

4.  The  Starlight  on  the  Tomb,  107 

5.  The  Lingerers,         .              .  109 

6.  The  Court  of  Obedience,  111 

7.  Songs  of  Pilgrimage,           .  113 

8.  The  forbidden  Fruit,          .  115 
9-  The  Blessedness  of  Affliction,  117 

10.  Nature-Gifts,             .              .  119 

11.  The  Bottle  in  the  Smoke,  121 

12.  The  End  of  Perfection,  123 

13.  The  Herbs  of  the  Gospel,  125 

14.  The  Lantern,            .             .  127 

15.  The  Song  of  the  Siren,  129 

16.  The  Star  of  Old-age,         .  131 

17.  Creation-marvels,                .  133 

18.  The  Cleansing  of  the  Temple,    135 

19.  The  Waking  at  Night,  137 

20.  Autumn-leaves,         .             .  139 

21.  World-rebukes,        .             .  141 

22.  The  Lost  Sheep,  .  .  143 
cxxiv.  The  Passage  of  Jordan,  .  145 
cxxv.  The  Heights  of  Jerusalem,  147 


Vlll 


CONTENTS. 


25th  Sundaj'  after  Trinity, 

Feasts  of 
St.  Andrew  the  Apostle, 
St.  Thomas  the  Apostle, 
Conversion  of  St.  Paul, 
The  Purification  of  B.  V.  M. 
St.  Matthias  the  Apostle, 
The  Annunciation  of  B.  V. 
St.  Mark  the  Evangelist, 
St.  Philip  and  St.  Jame?. 
St.  Barnabas, 
St.  John  Baptist, 
St.  Peter  the  Apostle, 
St.  James  the  Apostle, 
St.  Bartholomew,  Apostle, 
St.  Matthew,  Evangelist, 
St.  Michael  and  All  Angels, 
St.  Luke  the  Evangelist, 
St.  Simon  and  St.  Jude, 
All  Saints, 
Epode, 


Psalm  Page 

cxxvii.     The  Sleep  of  the  Beloved,  149 

cxxix.  The  Brother-finder,  .  151 
cxxviii.  The  Twins,  .  ,  153 
cxxxviii.  Zeal  without  Knowledge,  155 
cxxxiv.  The  Real  Presence,  .  157 
cxl.  The  Traitor's  Desert,  .  159 
cxxxi.  The  Visit  of  Angels,  .  161 
cxli.  Gospel-preaching,  .  .  163 
cxxxiii.  SioN  AND  Hermon,  .  165 
cxlii.  Cross  and  Crown,  .  167 
cxliii.  The  Desert-voice,  .  169 
cxliv.  The  Prison-light,  .  171 
cxlviii.  The  Passport,  .  .  173 
cxv.  The  Fig-tree's  Shadow,  .  175 
cxvii.  Obedience  and  Sacrifice,  177 
cxiii.  The  many  Mansions,  .  179 
cxxxvii.  The  Ark  in  Captivity,  .  181 
cl.  The  Evening  Memnon,  .  183 
cxlix.  The  Beatitudes,  .  .  135 
187 


Not,  in  barren  toil  or  search  unholy, 

Let  my  lamp-lit  hours  protracted  be; 
Not,  in  tales  of  Mirth  or  Melancholy 

Hope  and  heart  exhausted,  let  me  see : 
But,  with  learning  meek. 
Humbly  let  me  seek 
In  thy  Word,  my  God,  to  find  out  Thee ! 

If  mid  busy  Cares,  awhile  besetting. 

Anxious  tlioughts  and  fierce  should  supervene; 
Or,  in  Pleasure's  purple  cup  forgetting. 

Clouds  of  idol-incense  mask  the  scene: 
Where  find  I,  so  well 
As  in  Psalms,  a  spell 
Calming  fears  and  making  skies  serene? 


OVERTURE. 

Let  me  rede  it  now,  while  Morn  fresh-blowing 

Tempts  me  from  thy  simple  shrine  to  stray ; 
And  more  late,  as  Noon  intense  and  glowing 
Holds  a  golden  sceptre  o'er  my  way, 
As  while  Evening  falls 
On  old  ruined  walls. 
Where  Doubts  lurk  and  Superstitions  gray. 

And  at  last,  when  in  my  trial  lonely 

Shapes  of  terror  haunt  my  couch  and  me. 
Of  thy  sacred  Scriptures,  let  me  only 

Draw  good  store  from  faithful  Memory : 
— So,  to  my  dim  eyes 
Bright  shall  grow  the  skies, 
Sure  the  road,  my  God,  to  find  out  Thee! 


INTROITS 


PRELUDE. 

Golden  Dreams,  that  crowd 
around  in  graceful  shroud, 
Tones,  heart-heard  yet  not  loud, — 
from  yonder  fragrant  cloud 
Let  me  tempt  you  to  this  lower  sphere: 

Wandering  Wishes,  fain 
across  life's  arid  plain, 
Flow^ers,  that  withering  gain 

scents  longer  to  remain, 

Stamp  your  trace  and  breathe  your  odors  here! 


Jtrst   Sunirag  in  ^irtjent. 

PSALM    I. 

Wanderers  with  all  frail  Desires, 

Suitors  to  each  hollow  Care; 
Till  wide  to  blow  each  wind  conspires 

(Like  chaff)  from  Thee,  their  very  pray'r : 
Such,  my  God  !  dost  Thou  condemn, 
Let  me  not  resemble  them ! 

Rather  humbly  walking,  lone, 

— Not  with  splendid  company. 
Lest  some  unhallowed  pledge  I  own, 

Or  grow  too  proud  to  follow  Thee, — 
Let  me  not  with  sinners  meet. 
Make  me  shun  the  scorner's  seat : 

2 


14  FIRST   SUNDAY    IN    ADVENT. 

Rather  let  me  exercise 

Thoughts  and  wishes,  day  and  night. 
Upon  thy  Law,  wherein  there  lies 

A  quiet  hope  and  great  delight ; 
Till  at  length  I  find,  one  day, 
Thou  hast  known  and  marked  my  way : 

Till  at  last,  in  Autumn  brown, 

Rich  with  fruit  of  Christian  worth. 

As  some  full  tree,  I  bow  me  down 
To  lay  my  burden  on  the  earth ; — 

Leafless  in  the  Wintry  grave, 

Hopeful  in  thy  Spring  to  wave ! 


^*!*S* 


Seconir   0unba2   in  ^bt)cnt. 

PSALM    CXX. 

Alas  !  that  in  the  Desert-tents 

Of  Kedar,  or  where  Mesech  plants 

His  banner  to  the  wind, 
My  lot  is  cast;  and  forced  to  live 
Where  rude  and  fierce  the  tongues  that  strive, 

But  brief-wing'd  Peace  I  find. 

Amid  my  trouble,  Lord,  but  Thee 
Have  I,  to  whom  in  heart  I  flee. 

Beneath  whose  wing  I  rest; 
And  mid  the  shafts,  by  Envy  strung, 
And  burning  coals  all  jealous  flung, 

Am  tranquil  yet  and  blest ! 


16  SECOND   SUNDAY    IN    ADVENT. 

There,  find  I  still  thy  promise  sweet, 
There,  still  thy  gracious  pledges  meet 

My  tempted,  sorrowing  soul ; 
— The  advent-music  of  that  time 
When  Thou,  within  this  Gentile  clime, 

The  strife-clouds  off  shalt  roll. 

So  strengthened,  patience  calm  I  learn, 
And  comfort  from  thy  Word  I  earn 

Of  warfare  soon  to  cease : — 
Help  me,  then,  mid  the  battle-sound 
Of  eager  foes  assembling  round, 

To  labor  still  for  Peace ! 


See  Rom.  xv.  8 — 13.    Epistle  for  the  Day. 


PSALM    IV. 

O !  RIGHTEOUS  God,  to  Thee  we  come, 
As  erst  when,  in  a  day  of  gloom. 

Thou  heardst  our  troubled  cries : 
Hear  us  not  less,  when  now  around 
Blasphemous  words  thine  honor  wound, 

And  servants  false  change  Thee  for  vanities ! 

Hear  us  not  less,  when  now  there  comes 
Up  from  us.  Wanderers  mid  the  tombs, 

A  sad,  despairing  wail : 
— "Why  has  thine  advent-promise  stood? 
Who,  who  will  shew  us  any  good  ? 

What  messenger  of  Hope  for  spirits  frail  ?" 

2* 


18  THIRD   SUNDAY    IN    ADVENT. 

Amid  thy  Church's  priestly  band 
Are  there  none  found,  all  girt  to  stand 

Forth  in  thy  gospel- way  ? — 
The  heralds  of  a  Light  to  rise, 
Stewards  of  thy  gracious  mysteries, 

To  warn  and  strengthen  souls  that  else  will  stray ! 

Help  them  and  us;  that  while  they  wait, 
Thine  armed  sentries  at  the  gate, 

We  too  may  watch  within ; 
Or  if,  with  hearts  in  glad  repose 
On  Thee,  our  weary  eye-lids  close, 

We  wake  thine  Advent-blessings  rich  to  win ! 


See  1  Cor.  iv.  1.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 


jTourtl)   Sunirag  in  ^Irtjcnt. 

PSALM    V. 

Soon  as  the  Eastern  sky 

Doth  wear  its  morning-dye, 
My  eager  soul  awakes  its  hymn  to  sing : 

O  !  hear  its  lonely  cry — 

True-hearted  melody 
Of  worship  in  thy  fear,  my  God  and  King ! 

If  tones,  with  sorrow  fain, 

Should  mingle  in  the  strain, 
Breathed  in  unrest,  mid  foes  untrue  and  fierce ; 

Do  Thou,  whose  foes  are  mine. 

Thy  kindly  ear  incline, 
That  each  faint  sigh  may  to  thy  presence  pierce ! 


20  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

No  evil  dwells  with  Thee — 

No  room  for  vanity — 
Thou,  who  of  old  didst  send  thy  Messenger, 

With  voice  and  wondrous  cry, 

Thro'  lonely  places  bye 
And  peopled  walks,  thine  advent-way  to  clear ! 

So  now,  O !  God,  we  pray. 

Make  plain  thy  righteous  way 
Unto  the  feet  that  press  toward  thy  shrines ; 

That  guided  thus,  at  last 

All  foes  and  wandering  past, 
We  crowd  thy  courts  when  thy  best  Advent  shines ! 


See  S.  Joann.  i.  23.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


(EI)rx0tma0-!I)aB. 

FIRST  COMMUNION.     PSALM  XCVIII. 

Sing  to  the  Lord  a  song — 

Newest,  sweetest  all  among 

Those,  that  His  Temple-service  throng : 

For  to-day  we  own 

Marvels,  that  His  hand  hath  done — 

Victory,  that  His  holy  arm  hath  won. 

Salvation,  He  declared; 
Righteousness  hath  plain  appear'd 
To  heathen,  who  but  faint  had  heard ; 
He  remembereth, 
Israel- wards,  His  love  and  faith, — 
Freely  saveth  the  world-ends  from  death. 


22  CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

Shew  yourselves  joyful,  then, 
All  ye  His  Redeemed ;  and  when 
Ye  worship,  Earth  shall  say:  amen! 
Till  the  pleasant  voice 
Of  woods,  and  the  sea's  wild  noise 
In  our  melody  and  art,  rejoice ! 

For  He  to-day  hath  come, — 
Leaving  His  high,  heavenly  home. 
For  a  poor  cradle  here  and  tomb ; — 
That  He,  judge  may  be 
Of  the  whole  world,  righteously. 
And  His  people  rule  with  equity ! 


SECOND  COMMUNION.     PSALM  Vllf. 

Slow  glide  the  lengthening  shadows  from  the  hill, 

While  sun-light  lingers  still 
On  spire  and  cloud ;  whereon  the  pallid  moon 
Her  silver  radiance  soon 
And  chastely  slumbering  beams  will  pour, 
And  stars  come  out  to  deck  the  floor 
Of  Heaven's  own  vault,  with  purest  light, 
— Such  as  befits  the  solemn,  holy  Night ! 

On  such  a  scene  we  love  to  linger.  Lord, 

Tasting  its  sweet  accord; 
And  wondering  most,  in  all  this  goodly  plan, 

That  Thou  rememberest  Man, 


24  CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

And,  visiting  him  with  thy  care, 
All-watchful,  deignest  to  repair 
The  sorrow  of  primeval  sin, 
And  his  lost  soul  again  to  Eden  win ! 

A  little  lower  than  thine  angels  are, 

Was  that  First  trembling  Pair, 
Who  listened  to  a  fallen  Spirit's  guile ; 
But  bore  with  them,  the  while, 
A  pledge  from  Thee,  mysterious,  dim, 
Of  love  and  life  restored  thro'  Him, 
The  Saviour, — their  own  flesh  and  blood. 
At  once,  both  Son  of  Man  and  Son  of  God  ! 

Therefore,  to-day,  we  gather  at  His  shrine. 

Confessing  it  divine ; 
And  if  our  infant-tones  should  be  too  low, 
Up  to  his  Heaven  to  go — 
Thou,  who  of  old  didst  strength  ordain 
From  child-like  lips,  wilt  nerve  the  strain 
To  swell  with  free  ascent  on  high, 
And  hostile  notes,  or  false,  still  in  its  harmony ! 


5ea0t  of  St.  Qitpljtn  tl)^  iHartgr 

PSALM    LII. 

God's  goodness  dureth  day  by  day, 
Mid  gentle  peace  or  tyrant-sway, 

To  those  who  trust  in  Him : 
If  sunlight  fails,  His  dews  abound 
On  the  green  olive  trees  around 

His  sanctuary  dim! 

Yet  has  He  bolts,  of  reddest  fire. 
To  scorch  and  wither  in  His  ire 

Such,  as  will  grow  apart, 
— Such,  as  their  strength  from  Him  disown, 
And  nurse  their  pride,  with  boastful  tone 

Or  persecuting  art. 
3 


26  FEAST    OF   ST.    STEPHEN    THE    MARTYR. 

Why  slept  those  bolts  that  troubled  day, 
That  lit  His  sainted  Martyr's  way, 

The  First  in  will  and  deed? 
— 'Twas  only,  that  He  might  impart 
A  lesson  to  each  Christian  heart, 

And  sow  the  Church's  seed ! 

Lord  !  give  us  grace  to  learn  it  well ; 
That  every  time  our  bosoms  swell 

With  some  out-breaking  sin, 
Our  martyred  will,  bowed  down  to  Thee, 
Heaven  opened,  as  of  old,  may  see. 

And  Christ  enthroned  within ! 


See  Act.  vii.  56.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 


5ca0t  of  St.  lolju  tl)e   €t)angelx0t. 

PSALM   XI. 

Lord  !  from  thy  seat  in  Heaven, 
Thine  eyes  behold  our  troubled  world-scene  here ; 
Where  mingled  shades  of  Violence  and  Fear, 

Across  the  mystic  glass  are  driven, 
And  wrecked  foundations  seek  again  the  dust, — 
Spite  of  the  poor  man's  prayer,  or  doing  of  the  just! 

Yet,  mid  the  tumult  wild 
Of  storm  and  tempest,  that  Thou  rain'st  on  those 
Thy  soul  abhors,  thy  mercy  still  allows 

The  Gentle  and  the  Undefiled : 
Such  as  thy  Saint  of  old, — the  earliest  proved. 
The  chosen,  young  Disciple  whom  his  Saviour  loved. 


►  FEAST    OF   ST.    JOHN    THE    EVANGELIST- 

These  have  the  gift  to  be, 
Like  him  thy  chosen,  first  where  Thou  dost  dwell,- 
First  at  thy  Cross,  when  dying  Thou  dost  tell 

The  Mother  yet  a  son  to  see, — 
First  at  thy  tomb, — and,  since  no  word  is  vain, 
Kept  ever  here  to  tarry,  till  Thou  com'st  again ! 

Lord  !  grant  that  we  be  made, 
As  far  as  can  be,  like  these  in  their  grace. 
Forever  looking  upw^ard  in  thy  face ; 

And  when,  of  evil  times  afraid, 
Th'  ungodly  bid  us  to  our  hill  to  fly, 
Let  us  but  fold  our  wings,  and  on  thy  bosom  lie  \ 


pnv :   Vir  mitis:  The  Gentle. 

See  S.  Joann.  i.  35 — xiii.  23 — xix.  26 — xx.  4. 

S.  Joann.  xxi.  22.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Itast  of  tlje   i^olg  Innocents 

PSALM   LXXIX. 

O !  God,  on  thine  inheritance 

The  Heathen's  foot  is  come — 

Defiling,  in  their  scornful  dance, 
Thy  Temple  and  our  Home ; 

And  shedding,  as  'twere  water,  round 

Thy  children's  blood  on  holy  ground ! 

How  long,  O !  Lord,  will  thou  retain 

Thine  anger  and  our  sin? 
How  long,  thy  jealousy  remain 

A  fire  to  burn  within? 
While  wicked  men  of  stranger-race 
Lay  waste  thine  Israel's  dwelling-place. 
3* 


30  FEAST    OF   THE    HOLY    INNOCENTS. 

O !  hear  us  soon,  for  thy  Name's  sake ; 

Receive  our  sorrowing  cries; 
Upon  the  Heathen,  vengeance  take 

With  seven-fold  miseries; 
That  our  sad  day  and  dangerous  past, 
Thy  blood-stained  fold  be  calm  at  lastf 

So,  Lord,  of  old  thy  Psalmist  sang; 

So  answered  Rama's  wail; 
And  still,  to-day,  in  sight  do  hang 

The  Martyr-crowns  we  hail ; 
— First  fruits  of  that  baptismal  sign, 
Water  or  blood,  that  seals  us  thine ! 


See  S.  Matt.  ii.  18.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 

S.  Luc.  xu.  50.    1  S.  Pet.  iii.  21.    IS.  Joann.  v.  6. 


Sunirag  after  (HIjrtstmas^JBas. 

PSALM   CXXI. 

See,  how  the  Evening-shadows  lengthen 

Along  each  sunset-gilded  hill, 
To  mark  their  march,  who  help  and  strengthen 
My  fainting  heart  and  feeble  will : 

Sooner  than  Night  and  gloom, 
God's  armed  Angels  come 
To  guard  my  rest,  and  bid  the  world  be  still ! 

And  as  they  stand,  glad  vigil  keeping, 

Bright  hosts  and  heavenly  plumes  around  ,- 
They  tell  me  of  an  Eye  unsleeping. 

Whose  glance,  no  time  or  distance  bound : 
"  His  Hand,  that  Israel  keeps. 
Who  slumbers  not  nor  sleeps, 
Will  hold  thy  feet,  for  all  the  slippery  ground: 


SUNDAY    AFTER    CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

"  At  thy  right  hand  He  stands,  repelling 

All  hasty  chance  or  craft  mature ; 
By  day,  He  guards  thy  quiet  dwelling 
From  sun-lit  crimes  and  ills  obscure  •, 
And,  in  the  silent  night, 
The  moon's  mysterious  light 
Shall,  harmless,  bathe  thy  couch  serene  and  pure : 

"  More  kindly  still,  by  Him  forbidden, 

No  thought  or  dream  can  entrance  win 
To  hurt  the  soul,  whose  chambers  hidden 
Must,  in  His  sight,  be  without  sin : 

And  when,  in  mortal  doubt. 
Thy  Lamp  of  life  goes  out. 
The  Lord  shall  light  to  Heaven  thy  coming  in !" 


bNiJDJ? :   God  with  ws. 

See  S.  Matt.  i.  23.    Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Jeast  of  tlje  (Hirntnuxsion  of  our  Corb 


PSALM  CXXII 


Pray  for  Jerusalem! 
So  did  the  Saints,  of  old, 

Our  modern  sophistry  condemn; 

That,  honoring  self,  will  rather  dream 
Of  pasture  in  the  Wild,  than  in  the  Church's  fold ! 

So  did  the  Tribes  ascend, 
Yearly,  in  unity ; 

Within  God's  chosen  House  to  bend, 

And  praise  and  privileges  blend. 
Around  that  Covenant-place  where  He  vouchsafed  to  be ! 


34       FEAST    OF    THE    CIRCUMCISION    OF    OUR    LORD. 

So  Thou,  O  Saviour,  too 
Didst,  as  on  this  day,  own 

The  virtues  of  a  ritual  due, 

— Fit  type  of  an  adhesion  true 
Unto  that  way  of  Life,  that  leadeth  to  thy  Throne. 

And  shall  ive^  grown  more  wise. 
Disdain  a  way  He  went.^ 

And  heedless  of  the  grace,  that  lies 

In  Christ's  baptismal  mysteries. 
Nor  crowd  His  Church  nor  crave  her  entering  Sacra- 
ment ? 


See  Col.  ii.  8.  etc.  2  Ev.  Less.    S.  Joann.  vi.  26. 
S.  Luc.  ii.  2L     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


J^ast  of  tlje   ®]3tpljatt2 


PSALM  XCVI. 


Sing  to  the  Lord,  and  praise  His  name ; 

Tell  of  His  honor,  day  by  day; 
To  Him,  who  made  this  round  World's  frame, 
And  by  whose  grace  salvation  came. 

Your  trembling  worship  pay ! 

More  than  all  gods  should  He  be  feared, 

Above  all  heathen  idols  set : 
They  fain  would  paint  some  trait  revered 
Of  His,  who  hath  the  Heaven  prepared 

Where  all  such  traits  are  met. 


36  FEAST   OF    THE    EPHIPHANY. 

That  Heaven,  for  love  of  us,  left  He, — 
Once,  deigned  Himself  to  manifest. 

To  solve  that  hidden  mystery. 

How  God  could  reconciled  be, 
— Man  vi^ith  the  Holiest ! 

The  Star  is  still  in  sight,  to-day, 

That  w^arned  the  Gentiles  of  His  birth ; 
Lord  !  help  us  all  to  own  its  sway, 
— Remembering,  when  it  fades  away. 
Thou  com'st  to  judge  the  Earth ! 


See  Eph.  iii.  9.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 
S.  Matt.  ii.  10.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


5tr0t   Snnirag   after  tl)c   €pipl)ans 

PSALM   XIII. 

How  long,  O !  Lord,  wilt  Thou  forget 

And,  frowning,  hide  thy  face  from  me? 
Wilt  Thou  forever  silent  be 

To  all  the  prayers,  that  round  thy  throne  are  met? 

With  counsel  but  from  my  own  heart, — 
Mid  vexed  designs,  frustrated,  vain, — 
When  shall  I  be  thy  child  again? 

How  long  until  triumphant  foes  depart? 

Leave  me  not  thus :  but  lift  up  light 
Upon  my  sinking  eye-lids'  gloom ; 
And,  if  I  linger  long  from  home. 

At  least  there  guide  me,  ere  the  troubled  Night! 
4 


5  FIRST   SUNDAY    AFTER    THE    EPIPHANY. 

Till  then,  with  humble,  hearty  faith. 
Help  me  to  lay  my  trust  on  Thee; 
By  whom,  each  anxious  melody 

Swan-like,  grows  firm  and  sweet,  the  nearer  death ! 


Second   Sun^ag  after  il)t   ffipipljattg. 

PSALM   XIV. 

From  thy  calm,  holy  throne 
Thou  watch'st  this  world  of  sin, 

To  see  how  many  souls  have  known 
The  way  Thou  diedst  to  win : — 

Help  Thou  the  darkened  wanderers, 
Whom  every  day  astray  some  new-born  error  bears! 

The  fool,  within  his  heart, 
Denies  that  Thou  art  God  : 

The  violent,  who  roams  apart. 
Swift  sheds  his  brother's  blood ; 

While  crafty  ones,  though  all  afraid. 
Dig  graves  to  hide  the  poor,  their  fraud  or  force  betray 'd ! 


40  SECOND   SUNDAY    AFTER    THE    EPIPHANY. 

But  as,  of  old,  thy  power 
Changed  ancient  Nature's  ways, 

So  even  now  this  troubled  hour 
Grows  calmer  'neath  thy  gaze ; 

Thy  Word,  with  potent  grace  and  gifts, 
The  veil  of  wrath  from  off  thy  Church  long  slumbering 

lifts: 

And  weary  exiles  haste, 
— New  strength,  new  freedom  given, — 

Even  on  this  cloud-wrapt  Earth  to  taste 
The  presage  high  of  Heaven ; 

And,  by  thy  yet-bright  Star,  to  see 
Glad  Israel's  blest  return  from  his  captivity ! 


See  S.  Joann.  ii.  1 — 11.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 
Isa.  li.  14.     First  Morning  Lesson, 


ai)iri)   Qunirag   after  tlje   (Epipljaujj 

PSALM   XV, 

Lord,  who  in  thine  House  shall  dwell  ? 

Who  shall  rest  with  Thee  ? 
— Only  they,  who  love  Thee  well, 

May  thy  presence  see: 

Only  they,  the  true  of  heart. 

The  meek  in  mind,  shall  come; 

Who  leave  to  Thee  th'  avenger's  part 
— The  sinner's  awful  docm : 

Only  they,  who  think  it  scorn 
To  bend  at  Mammon's  fane ; 

And,  if  invoked  by  souls  forlorn, 
A  golden  lure  disdain : 

4* 


42  THIRD    SUNDAY    AFTER    THE    EPIPHANY. 

Such  as  these,  from  West  and  East, 
Upon  thine  hill  shall  come, 

(Thine  elder  Israel's  heirdom  ceas'd) 
To  find  their  blissful  Home ! 


See  Rom.  xii.  19.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 
S.  Matt.  viii.  11.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Sonxil)   Sitn^ag   after  tlje   €|)lpl)anij 

PSALM   II. 

Whence  come  these  Heathen-fires, — 
These  flames  unhallowed,  of  impure  desires  ? 
— Mocking'  His  holy  will, 

Whose  word  yet  bids  us  to  lie  still. 
In  reverent  fear  submiss,  beneath  His  Sion-hill ! 

O !  Saviour,  not  so  fierce 
Those  olden  foes,  who  once  thy  side  did  pierce, 
As  my  untutored  heart; 

That  seeks,  with  suicidal  art. 
To  break  from  Thee  for  all  thy  soul-redeeming  part ! 


44     FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

If  Love  can  move  my  soul 
With  softening  influence,  to  make  it  vi^hole 
And  bring  it  close  to  Thee ; 

O !  is  it  not  enough  to  see 
How  wide  thy  heritage,  how  mild  thy  sure  decree? 

If  not — then  make  me  dread 
Thy  sternness,  that  'scapes  not  the  highest  head : 
That  so,  by  Love  or  Fear 
I  learn,  thy  warnings  kind  to  hear. 
And  bless  thy  sheltering  hand  when  days  of  wrath 

are  near! 


See  Rom.  xiii.  5.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 
S.  Matt.  viii.  32.  34.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Jiftl)   Sunirag  after  iljt   ffiplpljang 


PSALM   XX 


O !  Church  of  God,  whose  lingering  pace 
Leaves  thee  exposed  to  cloud  and  storm ; 
How  should  thy  children  pray  for  grace, 
That  may  thy  sky,  ungenial,  warm! 

Nor  vainly, — for  as  erst  the  name 
Of  Jacob's  God  could  be  defence  ; 
And  Sion's  hill  and  temple-frame 
Could  holy  aid  and  strength  dispense : — 

Not  less  an  unction,  lasting,  clear. 
Their  trembling  prayers  will  sanctify ; 
Who  turn,  in  Christian  faith  and  fear. 
To  our  true,  unbuilt  shrine,  on  high ! 


46  FIFTH    SUNDAY  AFTER    THE    EPIPHANY. 

Therefore,  forgoing  earthly  aid, 
O !  King  of  Heaven,  to  Thee  we  flee ; 
That,  mid  the  wreck  of  trust  betray 'd. 
We  find  ourselves  saved.  Lord,  by  Thee ! 


See  Collect  for  the  Day. 

The  Sixth  Sunday  (if  there  be  so  many)  shall  have  the 
same  Psalm,  Collect,  Epistle,  and  Gospel,  that  was   upon 
the  Fifth. — Rubric  in  the  First  Book  of  King  Edward  the 
Sixth. 


Sunlrag  called   Btijiina^tBxma, 

PSALM   XXIII. 

Firmly  on  Thee  staid, 

Who  can  be  afraid, 
Lord  of  pasture-plain  and  murmuring  brook  ? 

Who  to  stray  would  care, — 

Who  could  wander  far 
From  thy  shadowed  resting-place  and  look? 
Ill  were  it,  idly  thus  to  change 
Such  safe  and  holy  spots  for  all  Earth's  gaudy  range ! 

Should  we,  wildly,  strive 
Far  from  Thee  to  live, — 
Who  would  lead  us  where  sweet  waters  flow  ? 
Whence  would  come  the  dew 
Worn  Day  to  renew 


48  SUNDAY    CALLED    SEPTUAGESIMA. 

And  bathe  the  flowers,  all  fresh  next  morn  to  blow  ? 
Or,  can  our  jewelled  feast-days  boast 
Aught  like  that  simple  board,  where  Thou  art  food  and 

Host? 
Weary  now  in  limb. 
Thro'  the  shadows  dim 
Of  that  Valley  dread,  we  take  our  way: 
— Only  Thou  art  near, 
Each  sad  sigh  to  hear. 
With  rod  to  guard,  with  staff  to  be  our  stay : 
No  fear  but,  mid  that  mortal  gloom. 
Thy  love  and  grasp  will  lead  us,  trembling  pilgrims. 

Home ! 
There, — all  wandering  o'er, 
On  that  happy  shore 
Where  anointed  saints  grow  seraphim, — 
Thou,  with  tender  care. 
Pasture  shalt  prepare. 
Crowning  our  cup  with  mercy  to  its  brim ; 
And  souls,  that  here  have  loved  Thee  well. 
Shall  all,  fast  by  thy  throne,  forever  safely  dwell ! 


Sunbap   called   Stxaqtsima, 

PSALM   XXIV. 

Who  shall  see  Thee,  when  Thou  com'st  in  Glory  ? 

Who  shall  mingle  in  thy  starry  train  ? 
— Not  the  Monarch,  gem-bedecked  and  hoary, 

— Not  the  Victor,  flushed  with  youth  and  vain ; 
But  the  pure  in  heart. 
Scorning  each  false  art ; 
— Only  such  shall  mingle  in  thy  train ! 

Only  such,  as  striving  to  be  near  Thee, 
(Scions  of  thy  chosen  Israel's  kin,) 
Gladly  walk  in  their  steep  path  who  fear  Thee, 
Paid,  if  but  one  glance  of  thine  they  win; 
These,  Thou  lovest  well, — 
These  with  Thee  shall  dwell, 
Patient  sons  and  true,  of  Israel's  kin ! 
5 


50  SUNDAY    CALLED   SEXAGESIMA. 

Nought  along  their  path-way  dim  shall  stay  them, 

Trembling  pilgrims  to  thy  sacred  side ; 
Hopes  and  passions,  griefs  and  fears,  they  lay  them 
On  the  lintel  thou  hast  unclosed  wide; 
Gates,  all  vainly  barr'd, — 
Every  earthly  ward, 
Ope  for  these  faint  pilgrims  to  thy  side ! 

So,  at  last,  when  thou  shall  come  from  Heaven, 

(Whose  gold  portals  keep  thy  glory  in,) 
With  the  light  of  that  late,  lustrous  Even, 

In  thy  train  shine  the  Redeemed  from  sin, — 
Who  walked  righteously. 
Who  are  blest  by  Thee ; 
—  These  shall  let  the  King  of  Glory  in ! 


See  2  Cor.  xi.  22.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 


Siinbag  callcb   (DuinquaijEsima. 

PSALM    XXVI. 

Sweet  voices  and  calm  shades,  that  tioat 

(Blended  with  wood-notes  wild) 
Around  the  simple,  sacred  spot 

Of  worship  undefiPd: 
Fit  consorts  for  what  stirs  within, — 
A  trembling  Love  and  true,  that  lowly,  Heaven  will  win ! 

If  wearied  by  this  world's  assault, 

Or  wounded  in  the  strife ; 
Where  better  can  the  warrior  halt 

To  find  a  newer  life? 
— From  those  bold,  bloody  men  apart. 
Whose  hand  is  full  of  bribes,  and  mischief  in  their  heart 


52  SUNDAY    CALLED    aUINaUAGESIMA. 

Lord  !  I  have  loved  such  holy  fanes, 

Thy  dvi^elling-places  yet : 
Where  I  may  wash  me  from  the  stains 

That  pride  or  fear  beget ; 
And,  at  thine  altar-foot,  may  taste 
Companionship  denied  to  this  w^orld's  howling  waste. 

Keep  me,  then,  in  this  safest  ward 

In  mine  integrity; 
— My  distant  feet,  with  kind  regard, 

From  sin  and  danger  free  : 
So  strengthening  what  breathes  within, — 
A  trembling  Love  and  true,  that  longs  but  Heaven  to 

win ! 


i'ast  of  Jlsl)-lUcbtusbaj). 

PSALM  VI. 

O!  Lord,  rebuke  me  not  in  Thy  fierce  wratli, 
Tho'  wandering  from  thy  path ; 

Nor  chasten  me  in  thy  displeasure  sore, 
As  if  all  hope  was  o'er : 
Who  can  be  thankful  more 

In  this  sad  pit,  or  worship  Thee  in  Death  ? 

Have  mercy,  Lord,  upon  thy  creature  weak, 

Who  would  thy  service  seek; 
Nor,  from  my  troubled  soul  and  purpose  frail. 

Let  thy  sure  mercies  fail : 

How  long,  behind  a  veil 
Is  thy  face  hid,  for  all  my  suffering  meek^ 


54  FAST    OF    ASH-WEDNESDAY. 

When  far  from  Thee,  each  pleasant  haunt  is  lone, 

And  echoes  but  the  tone 
Of  my  lament;  and,  through  the  dreary  night, 

Tears  mark  the  sad  hours'  flight: 

While  each  fresh  morning-light 
O'er  my  pale  cheek,  but  wakes  a  weary  groan ! 

Lord  !  only  Thou  canst  sanctify  this  gloom. 

And  lead  me  thro'  it,  home : 
Thou,  from  the  Desert  of  thine  own  high  Fast, 

(Where  deeper  shades  were  cast) 

Wilt  hear  my  voice  at  last, 
And  make  my  Lent,  with  sweetest  Spring-flowers, 

bloom ! 


IixBi   SttUitra^   in   Cent. 

PSALM    XXXII. 

Lonely  hours  and  slow,  when  far  from  Thee,- 
Broken  clouds  athwart  the  Day-light  free, — 

Sad  voices  in  the  Night; 
— Such  as  these,  O !  God,  mid  gloomy  strife 
Were  the  measures  of  my  prisoned  life, 

Marks  of  its  weary  flight  I 

Tliou  hadst  called  me  in  the  sweetest  tone ; 
Prophets  sang  of  glories  to  be  won. 

Of  joys  surpassing  Earth: 
Yet  I  madly  thought  to  hush  the  strain, — 
Still  I  worshipped,  'neath  an  iron  chain, 

The  Idols  of  my  hearth. 


56  FIRST    SUNDAY    IN    LENT. 

If,  then,  humbly  I  draw  near  to-day, 

At  thy  feet  poor,  withered  flowers  to  lay 

And  dying  hopes  to  warm ; 
Do  Thou,  of  whose  gift  it  is  alone 
That  I  venture  to  approach  thy  throne, 

Uphold  me  with  thine  arm ! 

So,  when  stormy  days  and  floods  shall  come, 
Thou  wilt  make  my  hiding-place,  my  Home; 

Where,  in  a  golden  rest, 
I  may  sink  to  slumber, — compassed  round 
By  sweet  angel-songs,  from  sin  unbound, 

With  thy  forgiveness  blest ! 


See  2  Cor.  vi.  2.     Epistle  for  the  Da\ 
S.  Matt.  iv.  9.     Gospel  for  the  Day 


Seconi)   SuubaL)  ^^^  Cent 


PSALM   CXXX 


Deep  in  my  heart  a  lonely  Sorrow  dwells, 

That  will  not  yield  its  place  to  aught,  save  Thee : 

And,  as  the  world-sea  round  more  wildly  swells, 

Still,  throned  in  sullen  strength,  that  Grief  I  see! 

Through  the  dim  watches  of  the  weary  night 

Mine  eye  is  strained,  to  find  Thee  walking  near; 

And,  more  than  they  who  long  for  morning-light, 
My  soul  looks  up  for  answer  to  her  prayer ! 

Lord  !  hear  my  fainting  voice,  my  sinking  cry ; 

And,  since  too  frail  thy  judgment  stern  to  meet. 
Too  foul,  to  abide  the  glances  of  thine  eye — 

Help  me  to  hold  fast  by  thy  Mercy-seat : 


58  SECOND    SUNDAY    IN    LENT. 

And,  at  that  Refuge-altar,  let  me  find 

— Redeemer  !  to  thy  trusting  Israel  true — 

As  melts  the  day-storm  in  the  evening-wind, 
My  deep  and  lonely  Sorrow  melted,  too ! 


St)trlr   Sun^ag  in  £cnt. 

PSALM   XLIII. 

Not  lightly  can  I  touch  the  harp, 
While  far  away  from  Thee — 

While  round  the  hurtling  arrows,  sharp, 
Betray  mine  enemy. 

Without  thy  Light,  my  straining  eyes 

Look  vainly  for  the  way ; 
Without  thy  Truth,  the  path  that  lies 

Before  me,  leads  astray! 

Would'st  Thou  once  guide  me — once  again 
Reveal  thy  dwelling-place, — 

The  echoes  of  a  gladder  strain 
Might  fill  the  temple-space ! 


60  THIRD   SUNDAY    IN    LENT. 

In  His  own  time ! — O,  mournful  heart. 
Bear  yet  a  patient  load ; 

Still  thankful  for  the  strength  in  part 
And  help,  that  comes  from  God  ! 


See  Ephes.  v.  13,  14.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 


lonxtl)   0ttnbag  in  Cent. 

PSALM   XLVI. 

O  Refuge  of  the  weary  soul ! 
Beneath  whose  gaze  all  life-storms  roll 

Their  angry  clouds  away; 
Strengthen  in  us  such  trust  on  Thee, 
As  that,  however  wild  we  see 

The  tumult  of  the  Day, 
Our  heart,  fast  anchored  to  thy  hill, 
May  safely  meet  the  surge  receding  at  thy  will ! 

And  if  the  fierce  and  warring  waves. 
Whose  gleaming  crests  our  bold  bark  braves. 

All  hold  away  should  take ; 
— Where  Thou  art  and  ive  long  to  be, 
6 


62  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

No  madly-curling  foam  we  see, 

No  billows  rudely  break: 
But,  in  a  glad  and  gentle  stream, 
Mid  flowers  and  scents,  flows  on  the  Day-storm's  trou- 
bled dream ! 

These  are  thy  works,  O  Lord  of  peace ! 
Thou — whose  calm  voice  makes  wars  to  cease 

And  weapons  idly  gleam; 
Who  carest,  too,  with  kindly  grace 
For  Heathen,  who  know  not  thy  face 

Or  vainly  of  Thee  dream ; 
But  restest,  with  especial  love. 
On  Sion's  holy  hill  and  Kedron's  olive  grove. 

There,  would  we  rest;  and  at  thy  Word, 
(Yet  mid  our  furious  world-din  heard,) 
Be  still  and  know  Thee  God 
— Exalted  in  the  Heathen's  strife 
And  Christian's  pride; — until  our  life 

Sinks  wasted  on  the  road 
To  where,  all  sin  and  tumult  past, 
We  tind,  with  Israel's  God,  a  refuge  calm  at  last. 


jTiftl)    Qun^at3   \n   Cent. 

PSALM    LIV. 

Voices  fierce  assail  me,  Lord, 
Strange  tones  on  the  air! 

Only  lean  I,  on  thy  Word — 
Only  live  in  prayer : 

Save  me  by  thine  own  Name's  sake, 
Listener,  just  and  true ! 

As  Thou  hearest,  judgment  make, — 
As  Thou  judgest,  do ! 

Thou,  O!  Lord,  my  helper  art; 

Thou  upholdst  my  soul ; 
Rests  on  Thee,  my  weary  heart — 

Joys  in  thy  control : 


64  FIFTH   SUNDAY    IN    LENT. 

And  amid  the  Voices  strange, 
Hears  yet  echoes  new 

Of  old  hymns,  that  cannot  change, 
To  One,  just  and  true ! 


See  S.  John  v.  30.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


StjTtl)   Sttulrag   in  £cnt. 

PSALM    LXI. 

No  DISTANCE  parts  from  Thee  my  prayer, 

No  space  shuts  out  my  sigh; 
From  Earth's  end,  through  the  upper  air, 

Still  pierces  my  lone  cry — 
My  fainting  bosom's  heaviness 
Can  upwards  still,  to  Thee  full  lightly  press! 

If  once  too  low.  Thyself  reveals 

A  Rock  more  high  than  I ; 
And  if  too  shrill,  thy  love  yet  feels 

And  tunes  the  melody; 
Till,  borne  at  last  upon  thy  wing, 
I  come  all  faultless  in  thy  shrine  to  sing. 

6* 


66  SIXTH    SUNDAY    IN    LENT. 

There,  each  desire  that  timid  swells, — 

Each  hope  that  trembles  here, 
Grows  (like  the  clime  in  which  it  dwells) 

Assured,  serene,  and  clear, — 
In  that  exhaustless  heritage. 
Whose  light  makes  up  for  Earth's  dark  pilgrimage ! 

Let,  then,  no  distance  damp  my  prayer, 

No  sorrow  choke  my  sigh  ; — 
If  bending  'neath  unwonted  care 

O !  teach  me  where  to  fly : 
That  vows,  here  scattered  to  the  wind, 
There  gathered  and  all  gold,  with  Thee  I  find! 


Jast   of  (Boolr   JTribaij 


PSALM    XXII 


"My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  me  forsaken. 
In  this  sharp  Cross  and  mortal  agony  ? 
But,  holy  as  Thou  art,  my  bitter  cry 
No  breath  or  glance  of  love  or  light  can  waken:" 
So,  Son  of  God  !  didst  Thou  complain — 
What  time.  One  less  than  Thou  in  vain 
Had  dared  that  wine-press  deep  to  tread; 
What  time,  upon  thy  meek  bowed  head 
Man's  crown  of  thorns — God's  crown  of  fire  were 

spread  i 
Sad  visions,  to  the  prophet's  gaze  unfolding 
The  depths  of  sorrow  in  Christ's  mystery ! 
— The  weary  going  up  of  Calvary, 
With  weeping  friends  and  mocking  foes  beholding ; 
The  dried-up  strength ;  the  melting  heart ; 
The  burning  thirst ;  the  lips  apart ; 
The  pierced  hands  and  feet ;  and  nigh, 
The  parted  garments  lying  by — 
The  lot  cast  on  His  vesture  ere  He  die. 


68  FAST    OF    GOOD    FRIDAY. 

Yet  least,  these  traits  in  the  Redeemer's  passion — 
These  pangs  His  human  nature  felt  alone : 
But  who  shall  tell  the  sharpness  of  that  owe, 
That  veiled  His  Sonship  from  the  consolation 
And  presence  of  a  pitying  God  ? 
— While,  crowded  round  the  Dying,  stood 
Forms  of  all  Sins  of  all  mankind. 
Claiming  Him  theirs — O !  soon  to  find 
The  weakest,  strong  when  near  that  Cross  reclin'd! 

For  when  Thou,  Son  of  Man,  said'st  "It  is  finished !" 
No  longer  could  tli'  air-darkening  legions  stay ; 
But  through  their  dreary  realms  the  light  of  day 
Divine,  Thou  borst  with  brightness  undiminished. 
Quickening  the  prisoned  souls  that  slept ; 
And  (patriarchal  promise  kept) 
Remembering  thy  lost  kin  and  poor, 
Didst  seed  of  Eve  to  Life  restore. 
And  make  us  God's  own  children  evermore  ! 


nin — Chavah  or  Eva:  Manifester,  or  Motlier,  of  Life. 

See  Second  Evening  Lesson  and  Gospel  for  the  Day,  fossim. 


k 


(BdBitX'^vcn. 


PSALM   LXXXVIII 


Shadows  of  the  grave !  that  wrap 
In  darkness  all  and  in  the  deep — 

Dim  Oblivion !  in  whose  lap 

Soon  our  works  and  wishes  sleep  : 
What  friendly  hand, 

In  your  lonesome,  silent  Land 
Will  our  spirits  keep  ? 

Saviour,  thine! — for  Thou  before 

That  realm  of  shrouds  hast  visited ; 

Planting  on  its  sullen  shore 

Passion-flowers  thy  life-drops  fed : 
There,  Thou  dost  stand 

In  that  lonesome,  silent  Land, 
Free  among  the  Dead ! 


70  EASTER-EVEN. 

Every  terror,  every  chain 

That  fetters  us, — Thyself  didst  prove ; 
Human  fraiUy,  sorrow,  pain. 

Trouble-clouds  no  prayer  can  move : — 
At  thy  command, 
In  yon  lonesome,  silent  Land 

All  these  turn  to  Love ! 

If  thy  Church,  then,  weeping  breathes 
A  solemn  funeral-service  now ; 

All  the  fresher  will  the  wreaths 

For  the  Easter-morrow,  grow : 
— To-day,  thy  wand 

In  the  lonesome,  silent  Land 
Doth  its  wonders  show ! 


See  1  Petr.  iii.  19.  Epistle  for  the  Day. 
Hebr.  iv.  15.  Second  Evening  Lesson. 
Exod.  xiii.  10.     First  Evening  Lesson. 


FIRST   COMMUNION.     PSALM   XVI. 

Lord  !  gathering  at  thy  shrine  to-day, 

We  own  our  Christian  faith ; 
And  watching  where  the  Holiest  lay 
Till  Easter-morn,  so  too  we  pray 
To  follow  His  triumphant  way, 

— The  Victor  over  Death — 
To  thy  right-hand,  where  evermore 
Thy  presence  make  us  taste  of  pleasure's  fullest  store ! 

No  godless  scorn  or  Heathen  rite 

Invoke  our  fervent  zeal ; 
We  follow  no  uncertain  light, 
Seen  dimly  from  some  Pagan  height 


7^  EASTER-DAY. 

While  all  below  is  thickest  night : 

Nor,  as  around  we  kneel, 
Libations  of  vain  blood  need  pour, 
But  simply  pledge  that  Cup,  which  Thon  hast  blest  and 

more ! 
And  all  unworthy  though  we  be 

To  offer  any  gift, 
(Whose  goodness  cannot  reach  to  Thee) 
Yet,  in  our  deep  humility. 
Our  bounden  service  and  our  plea 

We  venture  here  to  lift : 
— The  love  of  fellow-souls  and  poor, 
Whose  sanctity  on  Earth  grows  star-like  on  Heaven's 

floor! 
Our  frailty  might  we  well  forget 

In  such  fair  heritage  ; 
If  Thou,  before  us  always  set. 
Didst  not,  with  warnings  kind  and  sweet 
And  nightly  chastenings  gladly  met, 

Recall  our  pilgrimage ; 
Whose  hopeful  Rest  is  at  the  door 
Of  endless  Life  for  soul  and  body  evermore  ! 


SECOND   COMMUNION.     PSALM   III. 

Why,  as  Life  older  grows, 

All  nearer  to  it  close 
Dark  sorrowing  shapes  and  threatening  shadows  grim  ? 

Why,  round  the  sinking  Sun, 

(His  day's-work  not  yet  done) 
Steal  vapors  drear,  that  make  the  evening  dim  ? 

For  no  such  cloudy  day, 

Lord  !  let  me  lose  the  way 
That  leads  at  last  unto  thy  holy  hill : — 

For  all  their  mocking  tone, 

Who  tempt  me  to  disown 
My  help  from  God,  be  Thou  my  worship  still ! 
7 


74  EASTER-DAY. 

If  fainting  Faith  forget, 

(By  foes  extern  beset) 
Thine  ample  robe,  where  she  may  safely  hide ; — 

Or  feels,  in  a  wide  sea, 

Deserted  ev'n  by  Thee, 
— Did  not  such  woe  attend  the  Crucified  ? 

Will  He  not  make  me  dwell 

In  safety  here,  as  well 
As  in  that  Tomb-sleep  He  both  broke  and  blest  ? 

— Where  no  dim  stealing  shade, 

No  form  to  make  afraid, 
Nor  mocking  voice,  assail  our  cloudless  Rest ! 


iHonlratj   in   €a0ter^llleek. 

PSALM    LXII, 

Now  our  Lenten  Fast  is  over; 
Risen  is  the  Holy  One; 
No  more  need,  His  grave  to  cover 
With  its  heavy  sealed  stone : 
Their  device  is  nought, 
That  seek  to  put  Him  out, 
Whom  God  exalts, — vsrhose  sacrifice  is  done ! 

Once,  a  word  of  His  just  spoken 

Bathed  the  Universe  in  light; 
Now,  His  dreary  tomb-sleep  broken 
Testifies  afresh  the  might 

Wherewith, — God  or  Man — 
He,  His  all-gracious  plan 
Of  Love  perfects,  judging  each  one  aright. 


76  MONDAY    IN    EASTER-WEEK. 

Put  thy  trust  in  Him,  then,  only ; 

Melting  heart !  on  Him  repose : 
Thine  own  strength  will  leave  thee  lonely, 
Knowledge  dark, — at  evening's  close; 
Riches  may  increase, 
But  with  them  dwells  not  peace ; 
If  weighed,  Man  upwards  yet  not  heavenwards 

goes. 
Waiting  then  on  Thee,  most  Holy  ! 

Resting  with  Thee  all  my  hope, 
Thou  wilt  visit  me  thougli  lowly, — 

Thou  wilt  lift  the  flowers  that  droop ; 
And,  from  fast  and  prayer 
And  self-denial  rare, 
Thou  wilt,  one  day,  my  Easter-garland  groupe ! 


See  S.  Luc.  xxiv.  29.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


PSALM   CXIII. 

Who,  Lord,  is  like  to  Thee, — 
Dwelling  on  high,  yet  stooping  down  to  see 
What  happens  on  the  Earth, — 
Blessing  its  sorrow  and  its  mirth, — 
Foreseeing  all  the  fruit  of  swiftest  moments'  birth  ? 

Thou  liftst  the  simple  heart 
Out  from  the  dust,  and  deckst  his  Desert-part 
With  fragrant,  gladsome  bloom ; 
And  listening  whence  lone  wailings  come, 
Crownest  with  joy  and  song  that  childless,  desolate 

Home! 
7* 


78  TUESDAY    IN    EASTER-WEEK. 

But  chiefly  doth  thy  love 
In  things  above  this  Earth  its  wonders  prove ; 

— In  this  high  mystery 

(Whose  pledge  Thou  gav'st  Thyself  to  be) 
How  cradled  in  the  tomb,  we  yet  may  rise  with  Thee ! 

Lord  !  lead  us  to  the  sprmg 
Whence  we  may  water  of  that  new  Life  bring ; 
One  draught,  though  'neath  the  shade 
Of  Death,  will  make  us  undismayed, 
— Kept  in  his  perfect  peace,  whose  heart  is  on  Thee 

stayed ! 


See  Act.  xiii.  32,  33.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 
Isa.  xii.  3.     First  Evening  Lesson. 
Isa.  xxvi.  3.     First  Morning  Lesson. 


\ 


Jirat   Suniag   ctfttr  (faster 

PSALM   CXll. 

Blest  alone  is  he, 

Whose  heart  reclines  on  Thee 
And  finds  delight  to  follow  thy  commands: 

Blest — in  his  way  and  home, 

In  day -light  or  in  gloom, — 
With  all  thy  love  that  strengthens  still  his  hands. 

Mindful  of  these  gifts, 

No  needy  wanderer  lifts 
In  vain  to  him  a  mournful  cry  for  aid; 

But  to  the  stricken  poor 

He  scatters  of  that  store, 
Which  Thou  for  such  intent  hast  fruitful  made. 


80  FIRST   SUNDAY    AFTER    EASTER. 

Firm  in  thy  support, 

No  evil  tidings  hurt 
His  humble  faith,  his  heart's  serene  repose ; 

And,  mid  the  tumult  wild 

Of  passions,  undefiled. 
His  soul  shrinks  not  from  her  dim,  ghostly  foes ! 

And  at  Even-tide, 

Tho'  gloomy  shadows  glide 
Across  the  scene  to  shut  it  from  his  sight; 

'Tis  but,  that  on  his  eyes 

The  sooner  may  arise 
From  out  that  darkness,  an  Eternal  Light ! 


See  1  S.  Joann.  v.  4.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 


5tton^   0un])faB   after  faster. 

PSALM    LXX. 

As  One,  who  from  some  tree-crowned  hill 

Beheld  the  golden  prospect  fill 

Of  distant  bowers  and  long'd  for  home, — 

Descending,  loses  all  in  gloom 

Of  tangled  woods,  and  solemn  shade, 

And  fancies,  of  themselves  afraid : 

So  now,  O !  God,  my  heart-career 
(Spite  of  communings  sweet  and  near, 
— Thine  Easter-fires  yet  hardly  out) 
Still  lingers  in  unrest  and  doubt: 
While  spirit-foes,  my  soul  to  win. 
Haunt  Life  without  and  Hope  within ! 


82  SECOND   SUNDAY    AFTER   EASTER. 

Where  is  the  old  prophetic  tone, 
That  sang  of  triumphs  to  be  won 
O'er  all  such  foes,  o'er  Sin,  o'er  Death  ? 
And  where,  the  harmonizing  breath 
That  promised  all,  who  long  for  Thee, 
A  way  of  joy  and  praise  to  see? 

O !  hasten.  Lord,  to  be  mine  aid,    , 

— Who  hast  each  doubt,  each  anguish  made, 

Each  heart-hope  that  goes  forth  to  Thee ; 

And  if  all  wandering  now  I  be, 

— Redeemer  !  hasten  thro'  the  gloom 

To  lead  one  soul  that  loves  Thee,  Home ! 


See  1  S.  Petr.  ii.  25.    Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Sljirb   Sttnba]}   after   (faster. 

PSALM   LXXV. 

Vain  Hopes,  that  struggle  madly  in  my  breast, — 
Wild  Desires,  that  haunt  each  hour  of  rest. 

Like  shadows  on  the  wall, — 
Why,  all  unquiet,  mock  my  better  will  ? 
Why,  spite  each  Earth-wreck,  do  ye  gather  still 

More  strong  for  every  fall? 

False  heart  and  faint !  from  out  thy  substance  come 
These  shadows,  quickly  growing  into  gloom; 

Thy  frailty  gives  them  birth : 
Whene'er  some  sinful  World-stay  fails,  'tis  thine 
To  build,  with  ruins  of  the  idol-shrine. 

New  pillars  to  the  Earth! 


84  THIRD    SUNDAY    AFTER    EASTER. 

From  East  to  West,  my  wandering  wishes  fly ; 
From  North  to  South,  weird  banners  flaunting  high 

Shed  strange  aurora-light: 
Till,  dazzled  and  misled,  I  hardly  tell 
(Save  when  sometimes  thy  Church's  trumpets  swell) 

Beneath  what  Cross  I  fight. 

Lord  !  only  Thou  canst  chase  these  thoughts  away : 
Majestic  Judge,  whom  wildest  dreams  obey. 

Calm  my  long  haunted  breast ; 
Ere  some  sad  day,  when,  tho'  this  strife  shall  end. 
Thy  blood-red  cup  and  changeless  frown  attend 

A  yet  more  spectral  Rest ! 


Jourtlj   Qunltag   after   (Eaater 

PSALM   LXXXII. 

Lord  !  make  us  see  Thee  ever  nigh 
In  our  world-counsels  here : 

However  sure  our  state,  or  high, 
— O !  keep  us  in  thy  fear. 

If  once  unlearning,  we  forget 

The  needy  in  our  store ; 
Teach  us,  that  Thou  thyself  art  set 

The  Helper  of  the  poor ! 

The  out-cast's  shelter  is  with  Thee ; 

With  Thee,  the  stranger's  home ; 
And  from  thine  hand,  if  blest  we  be, 

Does  every  good  gift  come. 
8 


86        FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

When  owning  gods  of  human  birth, 
Let  us  not  worship  them ; 

— Remembering,  Thou  didst  visit  Earth 
The  World-prince  to  condemn! 


See  S.  Jac.  i.  17.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 

S.  Joann.  xii.  31.     xvi.  11.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


JTiftl)   Sunbag   aftfr   €asttx. 

PSALM  LXXXIV. 

The  social  swallows,  unafraid, 

Around  thine  altar  rest ; 
The  fragile  sparrow  in  its  shade 

Makes  his  familiar  nest: 
— Fit  sign,  such  instinct  in  these  gentle  things. 
Of  that  all-shelt'ring  Love  whose  praise  thy  Church  now 

sings ! 
To  that  dim  shrine  we,  too,  would  come ; 

There,  too,  our  dwelling  have; 
Of  such  a  simple,  leafy  Home 
(Fast  by  our  future  grave) 
Even  in  door-glimpses  brief,  more  pleasure  find 
Than  mid  rich  tents  where  joys  Time's  wing  can  bind ! 


88  FIFTH    SUNDAY  AFTER    EASTER. 

What  matter,  if  the  road  be  rough 
Where  sharp  thorns  overgrow  ? 

Thine  high-way,  find  we  plain  enough — 
From  strength  to  strength,  we  go: 

— We  linger  not,  so  we  but  Sion  gain. 
For  Baca's  flowery  vale  or  Siddim's  slimy  plain. 

Fond  hope  and  true !  be  but  as  near. 
Through  our  Life-pilgrimage ; 

That  every  time  w^e  worship  here 
Add  one  more  wandering-stage. 

All  counted  safely,  in  that  varied  road 
That  leads  at  last  to  Sion,  where  Thou  art,  O  God  ! 


IcaBi  of  t\)t  :3l0cen0ioti. 


PSALM   XLVII. 


God  is  gone  up  with  a  merry  noise, 
To  take  His  holy  seat  on  high ; 
And  if  ye  hear  no  trumpets'  voice, 
Lo !  not  the  less,  His  saints  rejoice 
(By  man  unheard,  for  so  God's  choice) 
At  His  new  victory. 

Conquered  all  His  ghostly  foes  for  aye. 

Upon  their  oAvn  dim  battle-ground  ;- 
He  will  subdue  each  enemy 
Of  ours,  till  in  His  Temple  high 
While  His  loved  Israel  worships  by, 
Our  heritage  be  found. 


90  FEAST    OF   THE    ASCENSION. 

There,  partaking  of  the  covenant 

That  Abraham  foresaw  by  faith, — 
The  princes  of  the  Gentiles  plant 
The  Cross,  amid  glad  Israel's  haunt: 
Each  Jewish  and  each  Christian  saint 
Walk  in  the  one,  bright  path. 

Lord  !  if  we,  impatient,  long  to  know 

When  Thou  this  kingdom  wilt  restore  ? 

— Teach  us,  'tis  only  ours  to  do : 

Thou,  who  in  pomp  to  Heaven  didst  go. 

In  thy  good  time,  again  below 

Wilt  come  to  reign  in  power! 


See  S.  Joann.  viii.  66. 

Act.  i.  6 — 11.     Epistle  for  tlie  Day. 


Sttuirap   after  tl)e  QiBCtn^xon. 

PSALM   XCIII. 

Quick  roll  the  booming  surges  on  the  shore. 

With  madly-swelling  roar; 
As  if,  for  all  the  World-holds  sure  within, 

An  entrance  wild  to  win! 

Yet  all  their  strength,  ruled  b}^  a  nod  from  Thee, 

But  shews  thy  sovereignty : 
The  billows,  that  old  Ocean  scarcely  holds, 

Are  but  thy  garment-folds ! 

From  everlasting,  Thou  preparedst  thy  Throne 

Eternal,  calm,  alone ; 
Whereto  but  late  tliy  Church,  in  worship  bent, 

Watched  thy  serene  ascent: 


92  SUNDAY    AFTER    THE    ASCENSION. 

So  teach  us  thence,  when  passion-storms  uprise 
That  with  Thee  their  strength  lies ; 

Or  let  them  only  tear — a  kindly  part ! — 
Some  World-hold  from  our  heart ! 


lUljxtsunira^. 

PSALM   XXXIII. 

Thou, — who  framedst  this  goodly  World ; 
Thou, — whose  Spirit  erst  did  move 
O'er  the  treasures  of  the  Deep ; 
Now  when  again,  as  once,  unfurPd 
Glows  the  banner  of  thy  Love, 

— Help  us  in  thy  Host  to  keep ! 

Thou  hast  fashioned  every  heart; 
Thou  canst  fathom  each  device 
Of  our  idol-building  here ; 
That  rests,  Avith  but  short-sighted  art, 
On  proud  human  power  and  price 
When  the  time  of  dearth  is  near. 


94  WHITSUNDAY. 

If,  for  all  our  high  desire, 

— Lingering  cowards  in  thy  camp — 
We  should  look  to  such  as  these ; 
Once  more,  O !  let  thy  tongues  of  fire, 

Whose  strong  flame  Earth  cannot  damp. 
On  our  recreant  terrors  seize : 

And  again,  from  Heaven  look  down 
On  the  chamber  of  our  hearts, 

(Where  a  few  frail  hopes  yet  wait 
For  Thee  thy  Pentecost  to  crown) 
Each  to  mould,  in  varied  parts. 
Till  thy  counsel  sure  is  met ! 


iUlonirag   nt   ilUjitsun-tueek. 

PSALM   C. 

Be  joyful  in  the  Lord,  ye  lands ! 
Serve  Him  with  gladness  and  with  song ; 
No  more  sad  rites,  or  hard  commands. 
His  statutes  or  your  worship  throng: 

No  difficult  or  distant  shrine 

A  weary  pilgrimage  compels ; 

O'er  the  whole  Earth,  His  altars  shine 

— Your  hearts  are  courts,  wherein  He  dwells ! 

He  calls  you,  wanderers,  to  His  fold 
With  sweetest  voice,  by  strongest  spell ; 
'Twas  His,  your  earthly  frames  to  mould, 
— His  Spirit  comes  with  yours  to  dwell : 


96  MONDAY    IN    WHITSUN-WEEK. 

And  ive  would  give  Thee  welcome,  Lord  ! 
O !  Holy  Ghost,  our  hearts  renew. 
Till  we  have  learned  and  proved  this  word 
God  ever  gracious  is,  and  true ! 


See  Num.  xi.  29.     First  Evening  Lesson. 
S.  Joann.  iii.  17.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Stteslra^  in   toljttBun^llUek. 

PSALM    CI. 

O !  God,  when  wilt  Thou  come  ? 

— Lighting  our  life  and  home 
And  wilful  hearts  with  thy  plain,  near  command ; 

^Shewing  the  open  door 

(Seen  but  in  types  before) 
Whereat,  revealed  and  gracious,  Christ  doth  stand? 

Thou  hast  the  answer  made. 

What  time  thy  Spirit  said  : 
No  wicked  thing  thine  helping  hand  should  claim; 

No  heavenly  dews  should  bless 

Sins  of  unfaithfulness ; 
No  angel  write  on  high  the  slanderer's  name! 

9 


98  TUESDAY    IN    WHITSUN-WEEK. 

Nor  is  that  answer  lost 

Since  the  bright  Pentecost, 
When  Thou,  O !  Spirit,  cani'st  down  visibly : 

But  all  Life-fruits  below 

Must  richer,  riper  grow, 
— Warmed  by  a  ray  more  genial,  pure,  and  high! 

And  all  the  Love  and  Faith, 

That  blossomed  in  the  path 
Of  olden  saints,  more  need  be  in  our  part; 

Till  here,  one  day,  we  bring 

Best,  hardest  offering 
— ^The  walking  in  our  House  with  perfect  heart ! 


See  1  Thess.  v.  5.     Second  Morning  Lesson. 
Deut.  XXX.  11 — 14.     First  Evening  Lesson. 
3.  Joann.  x.  9.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 
Galat,  V.  22.     Second  Evening  Lesson. 


ffirlnit^    Snnlrag. 

PSALM    LX  VII. 

Not  only  from  each  cloistered  pile, 
Where  men  do  come  and  pray  the  while 
To  be  preserved  from  sin  and  guile — 

Let  the  tones  of  praise  ascend  to  Thee ; 
But  from  each  lowly,  moss-thatched  dwelling — 
From  each  sad  haunt  whence  sighs  are  stealing. 
And  mid  the  Ocean-surges  swelling — 

Wake  Thou,  O  mighty  God  of  land  and  sea, 
The  prelude  to  our  psalm  in  thy  Eternity ! 

Thou  once  wert  merciful  to  give 
Thyself  for  us,  that  all  might  live ; 
— Make  us  that  saving  health  receive, 


100  TRINITY   SUNDAY. 

Teach  the  path- way  steep  that  Thou  didst  tread : 
That,  whether  'neath  thy  sharp  Cross  bending, 
Or  warning  calls  to  Earth-kings  sending. 
Or,  as  one  day,  thy  throne  ascending 

For  righteous  judgment  on  each  trembling  head — 
We  still  be  thine,  O  Saviour  mild  and  dread ! 

Then  shall  the  Earth  her  increase  give — 
— The  fruit  of  lowly  souls  that  strive 
In  thy  calm  light  and  love  to  live. 

Spirit  !  who  art  brooding  o'er  our  throes  : 
Then,  past  each  care  and  doubt  distressing, 
All  mortal  gloom  and  sorrow  ceasing, 
Our  Triune  God  will  give  His  blessing. 

No  tongue  can  tell  or  thought  attain,  to  those 
Whose  Life-psalm  sung  on  Earth,  in  Heaven  more  tune- 
ful grows ! 


irir0t   Sitnlra^i   after  Slrtnits. 

PSALM    CXIX.     Beati  immaculali. 

What  tone  so  lingers  on  the  Psalmist's  harp? 

Winning  both  ear  and  heart  with  music  mild, 
And  melting  down  all  discord  harsh  and  sharp? 

— Blessed  are  the  undefiled ! 

How  sweet  the  echo  from  some  calm  pure  heart; 

Heard  clear,  if  low,  for  all  our  tumult  wild, 
(As  soft  bird-notes  the  rustling  branches  part) 

— Blessed  are  the  undefiled! 

Just  past  our  highest,  holiest  mystery. 

For  what  is  left  of  Sabbaths  to  be  whiled 

Fit  overture  such  strain,  so  true,  will  be: 
— Blessed  are  the  undefiled ! 
9* 


102  FIRST    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

Nor  less,  our  short-lived  Sabbaths  here  all  done, 
(By  no  cross  paths  confounded  or  beguiled) 

Will  it  be  felt,  the  Heavenly  Year  begun, 
— Blessed  are  the  undefiled! 

So  in  hot  youth  and  hardened  age,  O !  Lord, 

Make  me  with  heart  unfeigned,  as  suits  thy  child, 

To  treasure  up  throughout  this  truest  word : 
— Blessed  are  the  undefiled ! 


Qtcon^   jSunlra^   after  Srinttg. 

P  S  A  L  M    C  X  I X  .     In  quo  corriget. 

O !  Thou,  to  whom  the  morning  dew 

A  fragrance  brings  that  noon  has  not, — 
Help  us,  while  Life  and  Youth  are  new, 
To  watch  our  ways  with  caution  true. 
That  they  may  green  and  fragrant  be,  and  without  spot ! 

Thou  givest,  in  thy  warning  Word, 

A  guide  to  keep  our  wandering  feet; 
By  Thee,  the  faintest  prayer  is  heard 
That,  to  thy  golden  throne  preferred. 
Grows  strong  as  it  ascends  and  breathes  perfume  more 

sweet ! 


104  SECOND   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

That  word,  O !  deep  within  me  hide ; 

That  it  may  every  action  scent 
And  word  and  thought — until  it  guide 
(An  amulet)  to  thy  blest  side, 
Where  Thou  dost  teach  the  heart  to  thy  best  wisdom 

bent. 
Thus  taught,  we  may  thy  goodness  tell, 

— Thus  warmed,  our  Christian  love  expands; 
And  while  we  joy  near  Thee  to  dwell 
(No  earthly  riches  loved  so  well) 
Our  lips  long  to  declare  thy  judgments  and  commands. 

So,  meditating  on  thy  Word 

And  having  to  thy  ways  regard, 
We  taste  even  here  thy  promise.  Lord, 
— Delight  and  Duty  in  accord — 
And  reap,  with  thy  blest  aid,  our  sure  and  great  reward! 


ulljirb    Sunbati   after   Srinitg. 

PSALM   CXIX.     Retribue  servo  Tuo. 

Lone  Pilgrim  on  a  weary  road ! 

What  dost  thou  ask  of  God  ? 
— 'Twixt  murmured  sigh  and  half-heard  hymn, 

Tracing  thy  path- way  dim. 

"Only  to  hide  not  His  command 

In  a  too  distant  land ; — 
Only  an  open  eye  and  clear 

To  see  His  wonders  near : 

''A  burning  soul,  a  breaking  heart. 

To  fail  not  in  my  part ; — 
A  little  light  at  Even-tide, 

My  way-worn  feet  to  guide : — 


106  THIRD   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

"A  pilgrim  on  Life's  tangled  road, 

I  ask  but  this  of  God  : 
That,  till  to  Heaven  and  home  restored, 

I  live  to  keep  His  word !" 


See  Zech.  xiv.  T. 


JTottrtl)    Snni^a^   aft^r  ©rtnttg 

PSALM    CXIX.     ^dhcesit  pavimento. 

Watching  as  the  Day  grows  dim, 
Empty-hearted,  faint  in  limb, 
Half-forgot  my  oft  sung  hymn, — 

Why  this  sudden  gloom  ? 
Why,  across  the  leaden  skies, 
Azote  vapors  seem  to  rise 
Till  the  sickening  star-light  dies 

On  yon  ghastly  tomb  ? 

Near  me  on  the  spectral  plain, 
Nought  but  writhing  forms  of  pain ; 
Even  the  spot  where  I  had  lain 
Holds  a  serpent-brood  *, 


108  FOURTH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

And  within  their  fearful  dance 
Linked,  in  some  malignant  trance, 
— No  retreat  and  no  advance — 
Stiffening  there  I  stood ! 

Lord  !  no  frightful  night  like  this, 
— Following  some  fancied  Miss, 
Half  so  scorpion-armed  is. 

As  my  soul-gloom  now ; 
Where,  while  swiftest  moments  fly. 
Trooping  shades  of  Memory 
Brand,  as  each  sin  passes  hy, 

Cain-marks  on  my  brow ! 

Cleaving  to  the  dust  my  soul 
Only  Thou  canst  lift,  and  roll 
All  this  leaden-clouded  stole 

From  the  star-lit  sky : 
Only  Thou,  sin-shadows  gone. 
Canst  enlarge  my  heart  to  run 
In  thy  ways,  till  lost  and  won. 

On  thy  breast  I  lie ! 


Jiftl)   0itnira2   after  Srintt^. 

PSALM   CXIX.     Legem  pone. 

Lord  !  teach  us  how  to  follow  Thee, 

— Lingerers  on  the  way : 
Make  us  all  thy  statutes  see 

In  their  pleasant  sway  ! 

Incline  our  hearts,  that  wander  wild, 

To  thy  strait  command ; 
Let  no  covetousness  gild 

Our  deodand ! 

Our  eyes,  whose  gaze  should  Heavenward  look, 

Turn  from  vanity : 
All  thy  judgments  we  would  brook 

(Love-sent)  patiently. 
10 


110  FIFTH    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY 

Establish  thy  sure  word,  O !  God, 

In  our  life  we  pray ; 
And  the  Lingerers  on  the  road 

Quicken  in  thy  way  ! 


See  Mai.  i.  8,  13. 


SUtlj    Sunbai)   after   i^rinttg. 

PSALM    CXIX.     Et  veniat  super  me. 

O  Home  !  where  sweetest  thoughts  did  dwell ; 
O  Hours  of  peace !  whose  light  feet  tell 
Nought  of  the  errands  Time  has  made ; 
Why,  lonely  now,  have  I  to  tread 
'Neath  scathed  boughs  and  dismantled  walls. 
Or  lingering  sit  while  round  the  Evening  sadly  falls? 

Nor  can  that  Evening's  growing  shade, 
Seen  stealing  down  yon  purple  glade, 
Conceal  the  spectral  forms  that  glide 
To  take  their  station  at  my  side : 
— Pale  ghosts  of  buried  Sins,  they  come 
To  mock  my  frailty  or,  blaspheming,  speak  my  doom ! 


112  SIXTH   SUNDAY    AFTER   TRINITY. 

Lord  !  if  in  such  a  scene  I  droop, 
Losing  a  little  while  my  hope, — 
It  is  that  Thou,  just  Judge  !  restore 
All  my  forgotten  truth,  and  more ; 
And  mid  the  ruins  make  me  see 
The  court,  where  who  obeys  shall  walk  at  liberty ! 

Then  in  my  Home  again  shall  dwell 
Sweet  placid  thoughts,  and  hours  spent  well, 
And  fruits  of  ripe  obedience 
Growing  on  every  captive  sense; 
And  purple  Evening  only  see 
How  with  up-lifted  hands  I  grateful  worship  Thee! 


SrDcntI)    Snnlrai}   after  Srinttp. 

PSALM   C  X  1 X  .     Memor  esto. 

P1LGR131  Songs  !  how  sweet  their  measures  come — 
Recalling,  like  the  scent  of  dried  flowers,  home 

Unto  the  hopeless  Exile's  memory ; 
But  sweeter  far,  when  caroled  high  they  float 
At  each  step  nearer  to  their  native  spot. 

Almost  regained  the  Wanderer's  rest  to  be ! 

Such  are  the  strains  that  Christians  love  to  raise, 
--Wandering-hymns,  now  sadness,  now  all  praise — 

To  while  the  journey  of  our  heavenward  life : 
Strains,  caught  from  Prophets'  tongue  or  Psalmist's  lyre, 
Or  else  dim  memories  of  something  higher 

Learned  long  ere  earth-born, — living  spite  our  strife. 
10* 


114  SEVENTH    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

Uncalled  they  breathe  themselves  in  every  stage ; 
As  well  when  by  derision,  or  by  rage, 

The  world  would  make  us  shrink  from  thy  pure  law ; 
As  when,  in  softer  hours,  we  pitying  see 
Those,  who  forsake  thy  way,  in  misery 

Or  look  upon  the  Sinner's  fate  with  awe ! 

Let  it  be  ever  so:  and  in  the  gloom 

Of  sunless  skies,  of  yet  far-distant  home, 

— Till  that  last  Night,  whose  robe  wraps  youth  and  age 
In  silence  for  awhile — let  us  from  Thee 
Receive  glad  comfort,  and  thy  statutes  be 

Our  often  chanted  Songs  of  Pilgrimage ! 


PSALM    CXIX.     Portio  mea. 

Marked  with  thy  Cross  in  holy  font, 
Thou  wert  my  portion,  Lord  ! 

And  kneeling  at  thy  Church's  wont, 
I  vowed  to  keep  thy  Word. 

If  once,  forgetting  all,  I  strayed 

After  forbidden  fruit, — 
'Twas  only  that  half-lost,  dismayed, 

I  made  more  earnest  suit. 

With  steps  refreshed,  at  early  dawn 

I  haste  to  gain  thy  way; 
And  when  Night's  deepest  veil  is  drawn, 

O!  let  me  rise  and  pray: 


116  EIGHTH    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

Pray — now  no  more  robbed  of  my  trust, 
Stained  thy  baptismal  flood — 

Pray — as  I  tremble  in  the  dust: 
Be  merciful,  O  God! 


Jfintlj    Quntray   after   Srintt^j 

PSALM    CXIX.     BonUatem  fecisti. 

'Tis  sweet — the  summer-storm  now  done, 
All  but  some  fleeting  vapors  gone, — 
To  watch  the  lately-sorrowing  Even 
Glide  tranquil  from  her  Western  heaven ; 
While  every  leaf  the  forest  bears 
Smiles  brighter  through  its  rain-bow  tears  : 

And  every  wood-note,  just  now  hushed. 
And  every  flow'ret,  almost  crushed. 
Lift  themselves  up  towards  the  skies ; 
And  voice  and  perfume  jointly  rise, — 
Both  fresher  for  the  passing  cloud 
'Neath  which  they,  frail  and  timid,  bow'd ! 


118  ?sI>fTH    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

In  such  a  scene  might  Angels  bask, 

If  theirs  were  not  a  sweeter  task: 

— To  lift  in  fragrance  each  crushed  heart 

That  life-storms  here  unteach  its  part, 

And  upwards  all  its  sighs  to  bear 

Till  they  grow,  like  high  wood-notes,  clear 

These  are  the  aids  that  Thou  dost  send, 
O !  Lord,  to  us,  frail  souls  Avho  bend 
Earthwards  at  sorrow's  passing  cloud : 
— Hard,  yet  true  lesson  for  the  proud. 
This  is  the  word  thy  Scriptures  say : 
"The  unafflicted  always  stray!" 


Sentl)    Suuiias   after   (Srlnitg. 

PSALM    CXIX.     Blanus  Tim. 

Fashioned  by  Thee,  each  Nature-gift 
Is  but  more  near  the  soul  to  lift 

To  thy  communion,  Lord  ! 
And  all  our  mystic  sympathies 
Conspire,  that  thence  some  heart  may  rise 

Towards  Thee  in  thy  Word. 

If  sufferings  lead  them  to  expand, 
Lord,  teach  us  that  it  is  thy  Hand 

For  good  upon  us  laid : 
— We  ask  not  to  be  sorrow-free ; 
But  that  thy  Love  our  comfort  be. 

Upon  thy  promise  staid ! 


120  TENTH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

If  worldly  fear  should  prove  our  thorn, 
— Their  pride  or  sneer,  who  feign  to  scorn 

Thine  humble  worshippers : 
Is  not  thy  Word  enough  to  heal? 
Or,  does  its  tenderness  conceal 

The  verdict  just,  it  bears? 

Will  not  a  fellowship  in  fear 
Confirm  thy  Church's  sons  to  bear 

Assaults  like  these,  and  more  ? 
— Till,  linked  in  holiest  sympathy, 
(An  unashamed  company) 

They  stand  at  Heaven's  own  door! 


See  1  Cor.  xii.  11.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 


PSALM   CXIX.     Deficit  anima. 

Lord  !  who  knowest  all  my  heart, 

Every  lone  desire ; 
When  wilt  Thou  new  strength  impart — 

Comforts  new  inspire  ? 

When,  upon  my  longing  eyes, 
Shall  the  dawn  of  better  light  arise  ? 

Vase-like,  see  me  stained  with  sin 
Early  lustre  lose ; 

Parched  by  fires  of  lust  within. 
Withered  my  heart  grows : 
Till,  the  day  of  trial  past. 

Thou  wilt  free  me  from  my  foes  at  last! 

11 


122  ELEVENTH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

Be  my  help,  mid  every  snare 

Compassing  my  way : 
Pure  and  true,  thy  statutes  are — 

Safe,  those  who  obey; 

Though  awhile  proud  enemies 
May  aspire  our  fealty  to  surprise. 

Give  me  evermore  this  faith, 
Keeping  me  alive 

In  the  faintness  of  my  path- 
Quickening  me  to  strive ; 
Till  my  early  lustre  come, 

Till  again  my  withered  heart  shall  bloom ! 


(Htuelftl)   0xtniray   after  Srutxtg. 

PSALM   CXIX.     In'dternum. 

WouLDST  thou,  afflicted  Heart,  once  strive  to  scan 
How  broad  the  web  of  the  Almighty's  plan  ? 
Or,  sorrow-taught,  attempt  with  learning  meek 
The  sources  of  His  Providence  to  seek  ? 

— Invoke  the  splendor  of  the  Light, 

The  voices  of  the  solemn  Night; 
Whose  trailing  robe,  if  we  could  see, 
But  shadows  part  of  God's  immensity. 

Awake,  before  some  ros3^-fingered  morn! 
— Lo!  every  fragrant  flower  and  leaf  just  born, 
Each  bird-tone,  sweetly  trilling  mid  the  trees. 
Each  gently-whispering,  cloud-compelling  breeze 


124  TWELFTH    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

And  (when  th'  obedient  sun  is  set) 
Each  star  in  Night's  gemmed  coronet- 
All  answer  in  full  harmony : 
"Our  light  and  life  persist  through  God's  decree.'" 

Nor  less  create,  the  viewless  chains  that  bind 
Our  earth-life  to  the  pulses  of  the  mind ; 
And  make  such  correspondence,  that  His  Eye, 
Who  willed  each,  reads  both,  either  passing  by : 
The  patient  prayer,  the  half-choked  sigh, 
False  witness,  or  wild  passion's  cry — 
Each  marks  its  moment  in  that  sphere 
Where  God  saw  from  eternity  as  near  I 

O !  keep  thy  faith,  then,  though  half-perishing 
The  World  would  bid  thee  all  away  to  fling; 
Know,  that  each  Love-pulse  just  as  surely  wakes 
A  wave  of  mercy,  as  the  pebble  breaks 

The  mirror-surface  of  some  lake ; 

And  that  thy  God  will  sooner  make 
An  end  of  world-perfection  here, 
Than  His  least  word,  untrue  or  fruitless,  bear! 


iSljirt^entlj   Sixubag   after   Srinitg. 

PSALM   CXIX.     Q,uomodo  dileoci. 

"He  learns  their  Truth,  who  keeps  my  words :' 

So,  Saviour,  didst  Thou  say; 
And  so  the  Psalmist's  sweet  accords 
Told,  long  ago,  of  their  rewards 

Who  strive  to  keep  thy  way: — 

A  daily  spring  of  thrilling  Love , 

Dreams  golden  in  the  night ; 
A  wisdom  all  world-walks  approve, 
Than  'old  Experience'  e'en  above, 

— The  fruit  of  faith,  not  sight 
11* 


126  THIRTEENTH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY, 

A  patience  that  shrinks  not  to  meet 
Thy  judgments,  till  they  grow 
Than  Hermon's  fragrant  dew  more  sweet : 
— Such  are  the  treasures  at  our  feet, 
Such  healing  herbs  we  know ! 

Herbs, — that  not  only  heal,  but  more ; 

Strong  amulets  they  be: 
Till  those,  who  shunned  ill  ways  before 
To  learn  thy  truth,  now  feel  the  power 

Of  Truth  that  makes  them  free ! 


See  3.  Joann.  vii.  17.  viiL  S2- 


Jourteentl)   Sitniraj   after   Srinttg 

PSALRI   CXIX.     Lucerna  pcdibus. 

Lo !  Morning  slumbers  long, 

'Tis  dark  upon  the  lea: 
Yet  may  we  journey,  safe  among 
Our  life-snares  that  around  us  throng 
— God's  Word  our  lantern  all  along, 

God's  Truth  our  armory ! 

And  when  the  ruddy  Day 

Just  serves  us  to  reveal 
The  real  dangers  of  the  way, 
— The  shapes  of  fear  that  closely  lay. 
Or  friends  that  feigned  but  to  betray — - 

Not  less  that  Word  is  leal! 


128  FOURTEENTH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

It  quickens  all  our  zeal 

Unswerving  faith  to  hold ; 
And,  though  in  pain  no  robes  conceal, 
Though  troubles  above  measure  steel 
The  soul  that  in  our  hands  we  feel, — 

Forbids  us  to  grow  cold. 

It  lends  to  every  oifering 

Free-willed  from  Youth  and  Age, 
Grace, — till  each  simple  strain  we  sing 
(From  joyful  hearts  re-echoing) 
Seems  nearer  Heaven  those  hearts  to  bring 

— Our  lasting  heritage ! 


Iiiittnil)   0unlras   after  (S^riuit^ 

PSALM   CXIX.     Iniquos  odio. 

Sinful  thoughts  !  depart — 

Assailing  my  poor  heart, 

Now  with  storm  and  now  with  art : 

Evil  wishes !  cease ; 

Your  lingering  hold  release ; 

Leave  me  to  my  God,  in  peace ! 

Wild  imaginings ! 

Weird  songs  the  Siren  sings ! 

No  delight  your  music  brings : 

Bright,  Earth-cherished  ore — 

That  turns,  when  kept  in  store. 

Dross-like, — cheat  me  now  no  more ! 


130  FIFTEENTH    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

Hold  me  rather,  Lord, 
With  thy  safe,  solemn  word ; 
Whispering  to  my  soul  accord : — 
Till  each  tender  hope. 
That  Sin  has  made  to  droop, 
Find  for  its  flowers  fragrant  scope : 

Till  my  trembling  flesh. 
That  cowers  at  Sinai's  flash. 
Tabor's  calmer  scenes  refresh : 
Till  the  trust  I  build 
On  Thee,  at  last  may  yield 
Surest  hiding-place  and  shield ' 


Sxxittnil)   Sttnlra^i   aiitv  Srinits 

PSALM  CXIX.     Feci  judicium. 

From  early  dawn  I  sought  thy  way, 
To  follow  through  the  coming  day 

Of  danger,  toil,  and  sin ; 
— Safe  underneath  th'  uncertain  beams 
Of  Childhood's  star,  so  but  some  gleams 

Of  where  Thou  art,  I  win. 

And  now,  when  half  the  day  is  spent, 

— My  Manhood's  shadow^  Eastward  bent — 

My  wasted  eye-sight  fails 
To  catch  aught,  in  the  distant  view, 
Breaking  upon  the  arid  hue 

That  all  the  landscape  veils ! 


132  SIXTEENTH    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

For  no  unhallowed  aim  or  fell, 

No  dew-steeped  herb,  or  elfin-spell, 

I  bent  my  early  eyes : 
No  golden  search  enwraps  my  heart, — 
Above  all  gems,  or  wizard  art. 

Thy  precious  Law  I  prize. 

Bless  then  at  last,  O !  Lord,  my  gaze ; 

At  least,  before  dim  evening-haze, 
Let  me  thy  true  path  win ; 

That,  if  Thou  will'st  my  pilgrimage 

'Neath  Childhood's  star  in  faint  Old-age- 
It  be,  where  Thou  hast  been ! 


Stvtnitcnil]   Sunba^   aft^r   Srtnitg. 

PSALM    CXIX.     Mirabilia. 

Surrounded  by  God's  marvels  high, 

Who  can  unmindful  be? 
The  mystic  star-dance  in  the  sky, 
And  those  earth- wonders  daily  nigh, 

But  veil  His  majesty! 

But  chief  of  all,  my  stricken  heart 

Doth  hold  this  mystery : 
^-The  light,  thy  vi^ords  of  Life  impart 
Unto  those  souls,  whose  simple  art 

Just  serves  to  find  out  Thee ! 
12 


134  SEVENTEENTH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

Souls,  such  as  these,  Thou  mak'st  more  wise 

Than  any  earthly  lore ; 
And  show'st,  spite  their  infirmities. 
What  Truth  and  Love  and  Peace  there  lies 

Even  at  thy  gospel-door. 

Lord  !  who  thus  far  my  breast  hast  led, 

That  pants  like  these  to  be — 
By  every  gushing  tear,  I  shed 
O'er  hearts  among  thy  marvels  dead, 
O  bring  me  nearer  Thee ! 


(EigljteentI)    Sunba^j   after   (ilrinxtjj. 

PSALM   CXIX.     Justus  es. 

Righteous  art  Thou,  Lord! 

True,  each  holy  word 
That  earth-sorrows  struggle  to  disprove: 

Testimonies  old. 

Yet  not  dim  nor  cold. 
Pledge  each  age  an  all-enduring  Love ! 

Once,  consumed  with  zeal. 

Thou  didst  deign  to  feel 
Indignation  at  thy  shrine  profaned; 

And,  as  then,  thy  grace 

Cleanses,  now,  each  place 
(Heart  or  House)  of  thine,  by  Mammon  stained. 


136  EIGHTEENTH    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY 

In  that  mystery 

God  and  Man  to  be, 
111  reputed,  lonely,  clothed  with  shame — 

Thou  didst  not  refuse 

Old  Psahn-words  to  use, 
Long  ago  made  sacred  to  thy  Name : 

So  when  troubles  come, 

Make  my  heart  the  home 
Of  thy  Word  and  Truth  and  Life  within ; 

— Keeping  me  alive 

All  the  day  to  strive 
Everlasting  righteousness  to  win ! 


See  S.  Joann.  ii.  17. 

S.  Matt.  xxii.  43 — 46.     Gospel  for  tlie  Day 


NinetCiMitl)    Sunlraii   after  Srinittj. 

PSALM   CXIX.     Clamavi. 

With  my  whole  heart  I  cry 
To  Thee,  the  righteous  Lord  : 

O !  hear  and  help  me  from  on  high, 
To  keep  thy  gracious  word ! 

With  early  morning-gleam, 
Faith  worships  at  thy  shrine; 

While,  through  the  night,  haunt  every  dream 
Familiar  psalms  of  thine! 

If  phantoms  ill,  or  drear. 
Blend  with  my  visions  then — 

Thou,  who  the  wish  to  call  dost  hear. 
Awaken  me  again: 
12* 


138  NINETEENTH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

And  let  my  startled  eyes 
See  Thee,  as  ever,  nigh ; 

Confirming  what  I  long  since  prize 
— Faith,  that  can  never  die ! 


Stu^ntietl)   0tiniraB   after   (S^rinitg. 

PSAL3I    CXIX.      Vide  humilitatem. 

Decaying  Year! 

Fit  emblem  of  Men's  short  walk  here  and  strife ; 
Who  feebler  grow  and  fainter  yet  for  fear, 
As  drawing  to  the  Grave-yard  gate  more  near; 

Who  sigh  o'er  fallen  leaves — reck  not  of  secret  Life! 

Fit  emblem,  too, 
For  aged  Christians'  precious  husbanding; 

Whom,  Summer  o'er,  kind  Autumn  now  does  woo 
With  cooling  gales,  their  sole  left  work  to  do, 
— Their  Life-seed  here  to  sow,  against  the  Heavenly 

Spring. 


140  TWENTIETH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY, 

O,  Merciful! 

Who  pitying  seest  our  wandering  steps  and  slow, 

— Our  bark  becalmed,  now  morning-breezes  lull, — 
Quicken,  as  Thou  art  wont,  our  souls  so  dull ; 

Avenge  thy  cause  and  ours,  with  that  sharp  patient  Foe ! 

And  if  we  droop. 

All  Autumn-leaf-like,  'neath  adversity 

And  chilling  blasts  and  earthly  woes  that  groupe 
Us  round, — be  Thou  our  undecaying  Hope, 

— Our  lasting  Rest  and  gracious,  still  with  Thee ! 


®XDi:nt|j-fu*5t   Sunbag   after   Srlnits. 

PSALM    CXIX.     Principes  persecuti  sunt. 

Calm  hope  and  holy  trust ! 
Sweet  peace,  without,  within ! 

A  love,  that  animates  our  dust 
An  Angel-sphere  to  win! 
— Such  gifts  await  obedient  hearts, 
Such  graces,  Lord,  thy  Word  imparts. 

If  princely  foes  conspire. 
With  persecuting  wile ; 

If  falsehood  aims  my  faith  to  tire. 
Or  kind  hearts  to  beguile ; — 
Let  me  feel  awe  at  none  but  Thee, 
— Thy  Truth  yet  my  sure  witness  be ! 


142  TWENTY-FIRST    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

A  worship,  warmer  still 
For  all  these  foes  and  snares, 

Seven-times  a  day  my  breast  shall  fill 
With  heavenly-breathing-  airs ; 
— Made  glad  from  such  prayer-struggles  fain 
More  than  from  spoils,  Earth-victors  gain! 

So  would  I  look  for  Thee — 
Long  for  thy  saving  health — 

Love  thy  commands  exceedingly 
Above  all  earthly  wealth ; — 
Till,  past  this  world's  rebuke  and  sin, 
I  come  an  Angel-life  to  win! 


2Itt)^ntj3^seronlr   ©unirag   after  Srintt^ 

PSALM    CXIX.     ^ppropinquet. 

Long  years,  O  God,  that  I  all  wildly  straying 
Have  wandered  from  thy  blessed  Fold  and  Home! 

And,  if  at  times  returned,  my  heart  betraying 
Still  tempted  me  for  once  again  to  roam. 

Now,  in  the  dimness  of  the  Day-light  closing, 
— The  dying  of  the  Church's  solemn  Year — 

At  last,  O !  Shepherd,  by  thy  tents  reposing 
Let  thine  hand  hold  me,  weary  but  yet  near ! 

When  farthest  off  from  Thee,  with  heart-felt  yearning 
I  longed  thy  calm  and  gracious  voice  to  hear; 

And,  when  along  the  homeward  path  returning. 
Old  sacred  Psalms  came  echoing  to  mine  ear. 


144        TWENTY-SECOND    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

So  be  it, — when,  ere  long,  this  earth-scene  falling 
Shuts  up  awhile  my  darkened  sense  and  gone : — 

Still,  amid  songs,  familiar  voices  calling 

Assure  the  Wanderer,  Thou  dost  seek  thine  Own ! 


Sitjentg'-tljirb   Sttnira^  after   Srtnltg. 

PSALM    CXXIV. 

If  Thou,  O  !  Lord,  with  presence  ready, 
Hadst  not  bent  down  thy  kindly  ear 
To  our  faint  prayer,  when  foemen  greedy 
Our  treasured  trust  away  would  tear, — 
Then,  in  their  anger  quick, 
And  serried  ranks  so  thick, 
Would  they  have  trampled  down  the  Ark  we  bear : 

And  the  deep  waters,  proudly  swelling 

Around  thine  unarmed  Sion-ward  train. 
Had  o'er  us  gone :  and  Jordan,  welling. 
Once  more  within  his  banks  had  lain ; 
As  when  of  old  his  wave, 
Obedient,  passage  gave 
Unto  thine  own-sent,  scourging  warrior-train ! 
13 


146        TWENTY-THIRD    SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

But  otherwise  thy  Love  has  guided ; 

Less  insecure  our  course  it  shapes ; 
— The  captive  bird,  the  cord  divided, 
Sometimes  the  fowler's  net  escapes; 
And  we,  spite  every  snare, 
With  but  the  staff  of  pray'r 
Have  cleared  the  pit,  that  vainly  open  gapes. 

No  unfelt  praises,  then,  be  given — 

No  meanless  chants,  O !  Lord,  to  Thee ; 
Who,  Maker  of  the  star-gemmed  Heaven 
In  all  its  calm  immensity, — 

Dost  yet  watch,  on  the  Earth, 
Each  fleeting  moment's  birth. 
With  ready  aid  and  kind,  our  help  to  be  ! 


®it)entj)-fonrtl)    Sunlrai)   after   Srtnitg 

PSALM   CXXV. 

The  purple  morning  brightly  gleams 

From  hallowed  Olivet; 
On  Gihon's  brow  a  glory  beams, 

While  else  the  smi  is  set: 
Fit  emblem — how  God  e'er  imparts 
His  Life  and  Light  to  chosen  hearts ; 
And  how  He  compasseth  us  still, 
To  warn  from  sin  and  ward  from  ill — 
Who  taught  on  Olivet — who  dwells  on  Sion's  hill. 

And,  as  the  mid-day  lustre  rests 

On  Sion's  towers  and  shrine, 
So,  full  and  bright  in  faithful  breasts, 

God's  chiefest  graces  shine ; 
With  all  like  gifts  surrounding  them, 
— The  path-way  plain  to  Bethlehem, 
Siloam's  waters  soft  and  slow, 
Bethesda's  angel-troubled  flow, — 
And  promises  more  worth  than  mortal  mind  can  know ! 


148      TWENTY-FOURTH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY, 

So,  does  He  hover  round  our  steps ; 

So,  pleasant  makes  the  lot 
That  for  His  saints  His  mercy  keeps, 

Where  sinners  enter  not: 
And  tho'  sometimes,  by  Him  allow'd, 
Ungodly  men  become  His  rod, 
No  lasting  sceptre  's  o'er  us  sway'd ; 
He  kindly  thinks  whereof  we're  made, 
— No  heathen  symbol  comes  where  Aaron's  rod  is  laid. 

His  power  drives  out  our  ghostly  foes, 

As  from  the  Promised-land ; 
But  such  as  turn  back  from  Him — those 

Are  treasured  in  His  hand, 
To  share  the  evil-doers'  part : 
While,  for  the  good  and  true  of  heart. 
Thy  Word  and  Works,  Lord,  surely  tell 
How  Thou  delight'st  to  guard  them  well, 
And  shed  thy  peace  upon  thy  faithful  Israel ! 

Isa.  viii.  6. 


Stucntij^fiftl)   Suu^an   after   SrinitM. 

PSALM   CXXVII. 

Why,  all  this  midnight  care  and  early  toil — 

This  bitter  bread,  that  tears  and  sweat-drops  soil — 

These  troubled  dreams,  these  sorrowing  murmurs  fain  ? 
Why  conjure  up,  O !  faithless  Heart  and  frail, 
With  self-tormenting  art,  weird  visions  pale 

And  ghosts  of  Fancy's  phantom-train  ? 

If  God  build  not  thine  House,  with  labor  lost 
Thou  toilst,  and  wasted  skill  and  thankless  cost; 

And  watch  in  vain,  thy  wakeful  sentries  keep: 
— Lo !  while  the  World,  with  drear  forebodings  prest, 
Wind-startled,  cheats  the  weary  night  of  rest, 

He  giveth  His  Beloved,  sleep ! 
13* 


150        TWENTY-FIFTH   SUNDAY    AFTER    TRINITY. 

If,  more  excused,  it  be  parental  love 

That  makes  thee  all  these  anxious  moments  prove, — 

Know,  that  young  children  are  thy  Maker''s  gift: 
The  raven-feeder  will  for  such  provide ; 
Nay,  more— thy  pray'rs  their  growing  strength  will  guide 

Each  stone  from  out  thy  way  to  lift. 

O !  happy  thou,  who  hast  thy  quiver  filled 

With  these  bright  arrows,  whom  thy  God  hath  willed 

As  weapons  for  thy  sinking  age  to  keep : 
With  such  as  these  around  one's  bed  to  wait. 
Though  enemies  should  watch  the  outer  gate, 

He  giveth  His  Beloved,  sleep ! 


Itasi  of  St.  :2lnbrctt)  tl)c   :7l|]ostU 

PSALM    CXXIX. 

O,  WEARY  Heart!  that  oft  hast  lost 

A  vainly-prized  trust; 
And  vexed  from  youth-time  up,  and  tost 
Till  furrows  long  the  brow  have  crost, 
Art  almost  come,  with  sorrow-cost, 

To  deem  all,  dreams  and  dust: — 

Faint  not  for  that;  nor  yield  thy  Hope, 

Though  many  times  betrayed — 
Though,  one  by  one,  its  flowers  may  droop. 
Like  grass  upon  the  houses'  top — 
Though  blest  by  none,  for  Truth  yet  grope 
Till  Light  rise,  undismayed ! 


152  FEAST    OF    ST.  ANDREW    THE    APOSTLE, 

Such  a  frank,  simple,  hoping  One 
Became  God's  manly  Saint; 

Who,  caught  by  the  Fore-runner's  tone, 

Marked  soonest  where  a  light  was  thrown 

Diviner  still,  and  earliest  won 

The  place  where  Jesus  went. 

Lord  !  make  us  ever  of  such  mind — 

Prompt  at  thy  side  to  be, 
To  feed  all  human  woes  inclined. 
Guiding  to  Christ  the  Heathen  blind — 
Till  (guerdon  rich)  one  day  we  find 
A  Brother  brought  to  Thee ! 


A  V  0 /)  5  Of  $  :    Vir  viri  filius  ac  -parens  :  the  Manly. 
See  S.  Joann.  i.  35,  39,  42— vi.  8— xii.  20. 


Itast  of  0t.    (^Ijoinas   tl]c  ^|)ostle. 

PSALM   CXXVIII. 

Doubts  of  thy  Providence, 

O  Lord  !  dispel  from  our  Earth-clouded  sense : — 
Thou,  who  of  old  didst  kindly  bear 
One  Saint's  weak-heartedness  and  fear. 

Teach  us,  if  all  unseen  to  deem  Thee  yet  as  near ! 

If  we  sliould  g-loomy  grow 
Because  we  may  not  our  world-issues  know. 
Has  not  thy  Psalmist  sweet  confest — 
How  well  they  be  who  on  Thee  rest. 
How  labors  of  our  hands  are  in  our  home-shrines  blest? 


154  FEAST    OF    ST.    THOMAS    THE    APOSTLE. 

— How  simple  Faith  is  sure, 
To  deck  a  house  with  vine-like  vestiture, — 

Each  prayer,  an  olive-branch  to  win? 

Does  not  each  pulse  of  life  within 
Tell,  how  God's  fear  and  World-peace  here  are  twin  ? 

And  if  it  be  thy  will 
That  some  should  linger  on  in  faintness  still, 

In  earthly  want  and  misery : — 

It  is  to  teach  them,  best  thereby. 
Thy  Way  and  Truth  and  Life,  who  learn  with  Thee 

to  die ! 


See  S.  Joann.  xiv.  5,  6.  xi.  16. 


least  of  tijc  CflUDcrston  of  St.   |3aul 

PSALM   CXXXVIII. 

Light,  in  the  gloomy  heart ! 

New  life,  within  the  flesh ! 
A  breath,  to  bid  all  clouds  depart — 

The  weary  to  refresh  ! 
— Such,  Lord,  are  graces  Thou  canst  give 
To  those  who,  tho'  mistaken,  strive 
To  do  Thee  service  and,  as  straitest,  live. 

So  was  it  proved  of  old, 

When,  on  that  Syrian  noon. 
The  burning  sun  grew  dim  and  cold — 

By  Thine  own  self  out-shone ; 
And  One,  whom  zeal  had  led  astray, 
A  heaven-sent  blindness  taught  the  way 
Till  Saul  unto  the  Martyr's  God  could  pray. 


156        FEAST    OF    THE    CONVERSION    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

Well  might  old  Psalm-words  come. 
In  such  time,  to  his  thought : 

"God  sets  far  off  the  proud  man's  home; 
The  lowly  near  are  brought;" — 

Well  might  he  praise  that  Name  and  Word, 

(Soon  from  his  lips  by  Earth-kings  heard,) 
And  trust  that  Hand,  tho'  furious  foes  were  stirr'd ! 

Lord  !  if  on  our  Life-path 

We  wander,  blind  to  Thee ; 
Or,  nursing  an  unholy  wrath, 

Our  way  right  only  see: 
We  ask  no  dazzling  Providence, 
— But  simply,  for  our  humbled  sense 
To  hear  thy  Voice,  and  friends  to  lead  us  thence! 


See  1  Tim.  i.  13.     Act.  xxvi.  b,  13.  xxii.  3,  11. 
Act.  ix.  9j  11.     Epistle  for  the  day. 


Icasi  of  tl)e 
Purification  of  St.  iJlarp   tl)c   l)trgin. 

PSALM   CXXXIV. 

Ye,  who  in  night  and  dimness  stand 

Beneath  the  Church's  shade, 
Until  your  Lord  (all  near  at  hand) 

His  entry  there  hath  made  : 
Faint  not,  nor  your  due  service  cease — 
Ere  long,  ye  may  depart  in  peace  ! 

For  so,  of  old,  God's  servants  stood 

Unwearied,  year  by  year ; 
Expecting,  in  soul-widowhood. 

Their  Saviour  to  appear : 
— Lo !  silent,  sudden,  like  a  flame 
On  night-strained  eyes,  that  Saviour  came ! 
14 


158        PURIFICATION    OF    ST.    MARY    THE    VIRGIN. 

Lord  !  give  us  patient  hope  like  this, — 

A  prayer  for  every  hour ; 
Till,  in  its  season,  promised  hliss 

From  Sion  shall  out-pour; 
Till,  long  in  piercing  sorrow  sealed, 
Our  anxious  heart-thoughts  he  revealed ! 

What  time  there  comes  a  Virgin-heart, 
From  willing  world-stains  free. 

To  taste  the  food  Thou  dost  impart 
And  sacrifice  to  Thee : 

That  heart,  not  judging  how  or  where, 

Beholds  thy  Real  Presence,  there ! 


See  Mai.  iii.  1,  2.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 
S.  Luc.  ii.  29,  35;  37.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Itasi  of  St.  illattljtas  i\]t  2lpostU 


PSALM   CXL. 


Deliver  me,  O !  Lord, 


According  to  thy  word, 
From  evil  men  and  stirrers-up  of  fitrife ; 
Still  Thou  their  serpent-tongues — 
Charm  them  with  adder-songs. 
Who  watch  all  day  to  snare  my  fragile  life ! 

Lord  God,  strength  of  my  health! 

Disclose  their  wicked  stealth ; 
In  open  battle,  cover  still  my  head : 

Let  all  their  mischief  rest 

Like  coals  on  their  own  breast. 
Who  nets  abroad  to  catch  my  soul  have  spread ! 


160  FEAST    OF   ST.    MATTHIAS    THE    APOSTLE. 


So  erst,  with  sorrow  fain, 
Sighed  low  the  Psalmist's  strain, 

Then,  as  e'er,  prophetic  in  its  breath; — 
So  did  thy  Church,  one  day. 
Take  up  the  words  and  say : 

"Evil  hunts  the  Traitor  to  his  death." 


So,  Lord,  may  we  to  day 

Thee,  All-disposing,  pray 
To  guide  the  Church  and  help  it  with  thy  grace ; 

That,  if  a  Pastor  fall. 

At  thine  Apostles'  call 
Another  rise  to  take  his  sacred  place ! 


See  Act.  i.  16,  25.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 


Stasi  of  i\]t 
Annunciation  of  iljt  BUsseir   llirgin 

PSALM    CXXXI. 

Lord  !  let  me  not  high-minded  be, 
Nor,  proudly  looking  up  to  Thee, 

Demand  from  Heaven  a  sign ; 
Nor  let  me  vainly  exercise 
Myself  in  lore  too  high,  where  lies 

A  germ  not  all  divine! 

I  would  not  tempt  Thee,  ev'n  in  prayer, 
Too  much  to  know  what  thy  ways  are 

And  what  thy  Love  intends ; 
But  meekly,  like  a  weaned  child 
Standing  before  a  mother  mild. 

Receive  whatever  God  sends : 
14* 


162        ANNUNCIATION    OF    THE    BLESSED    VIRGIN. 

Till  every  child-like  grace  shall  grow 
My  second  nature ;  and  may  throw 

Fresh  lustre  on  the  Blest — 
Or,  if  Thou  visit  me  in  wrath, 
May  smooth  the  roughness  of  my  patli 

And  light  me  to  my  rest ! 

O,  Israel!  ever  trust  the  Lord; 
O,  Virgin-heart!  embalm  His  word, 

In  gloom  or  sun-light,  still ; 
So  mayst  Thou  say,  in  each  event, 
As  to  some  Angel-visitant : 

"Beit  as  God  doth  will!" 


See  Isa.  vii.  11.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 

S.  Luc.  ii.  51  and  i.  3S.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Jea0t   of  St.  JlTark  tl)e   Q!t)angclt0t. 

PSALM   CXLI. 

Lord  !  listen  to  my  pray'r, 
That  longs  to  reach  Thee  through  th'  empyreal  air; 

As  incense  let  it  rise, 

That  dims  not,  but  perfumes  the  skies — 
Or  like  the  accepted  flame  at  Evening-sacrifice ! 

And  even  now,  O  !  Lord, 
Set  Thou  a  watch  o'er  every  winged  word ; 
That  none  be  uttered  there. 
Proving  to  my  own  heart  a  snare. 
Or  kindred  to  the  phrase  our  world-engagements  wear ! 


164  FEAST    OF   ST.    MARK   THE   EVANGELIST. 

And  whensoe'er  I  err, 

O !  make  me  willing,  friends'  reproof  to  hear ; 
— Calling  me  back  to  Thee, 
Like  balm  on  each  soul-wound  to  be, 

And,  if  not  always  just,  a  warning  sweet  and  free. 

In  such  a  fellowship 

May  we  best  serve  Thee,  both  in  heart  and  lip — 
In  his  own  place,  each  One : 
— If  no  Apostledom  be  won. 

His  life  can  yet  set  forth  the  Gospel  of  thy  Son  ! 


See  S.  Mar.  i.  1.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Itasi  of 
St.  ipijilip  anlr   St.  3amt5  ^postUs 

PSALM   CXXXIII. 

How  sweet,  to  see  the  brotherhood 

Uniting  Christian  hearts ; 
— What  One  lacks  of  heart-calm  or  good, 

Another  kind  imparts. 

So  Aaron's  unction  to  bestow, 

A  hand  fraternal  knew; 
So  Sion's  flowers  more  fragrant  grow 

For  drinking  Hermon's  dew. 

And  so  the  Church,  in  union  fit, 

Conjoins  two  Saints  to-day : 
— One  to  the  poor,  consoling,  writ 

— The  other  showed  the  way ! 


166    FEAST   OF   ST.    PHILIP    AND   ST.    JAMES    THE    LESS. 

Lord  !  give  us  grace  to  be  like  both, 

Along  our  world-path  dim : 
— First,  taught  Who  wisdom  gives  not  loth, 

— Then,  asking  straight  of  Him  ! 


See  S.  Jac.  ii.  1.    S.  Joann.  xii.  22  and  i.  45.     Second  Morning  Lesson. 

S.  Jac.  i,  5.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 

S.  Joann.  xiv.  8.      Gospel  for  the  Day. 


ItaBi  of  St.   Barnabas 


PSALM   CXLII, 


Lord  !  who  hearest  every  tone  of  sorrow, 

Every  faintest  wail  of  misery ; 
And,  if  dark  to-day,  a  bright-sunned  morrow 
Canst  create,  our  Light  and  Warmth  to  be 
Let  me  ever  deem 
(Deserted  though  I  seem) 
That  my  portion  surely  dwells  with  Thee. 

In  soul-heaviness,  my  path  Thou  knowest, — 

Every  snare  is  open  to  thine  eye ; 
From  my  prison,  yet  escape  Thou  showest. 
Cheering  me  with  friendly  company — 
Raising,  as  of  old, 
Mid  faces  stern  and  cold, 
Sons  of  Consolation  to  come  nigh! 


168  FEAST    OF   ST.    BARNABAS. 

Hard  to  tell,  which  has  the  highest  blessing ! 

He,  who  holds  out,  or  receives,  the  hand ; 
— He,  who  to  thy  sacred  host  is  pressing. 
Or  the  friendliest  in  that  sainted  band : 
Both,  thy  servants  are ; 
And  both,  hereafter,  wear 
Cross  and  Crown  within  thy  Holy  Land ! 

Lord  !  avouch  iis  also,  in  our  measure. 
Sons  of  comfort  to  the  poor  to  be ; 
— Laying  at  the  Church's  feet  our  treasure, 
Quick  thy  touch  on  others'  hearts  to  see, 
Watching,  above  all. 
Our  ownselves,  lest  we  fall 
In  some  hour  of  strife  or  pride,  from  Thee ! 


See  Act.  ix.  27.  iv.  36.  and  xi.  24,  25,  30.     EpisUe  for  tlie  Day. 
Act.  XV  39.    Second  Evening  Lesson. 


Itasi  of  iljt 
ISiaixvxt^  of  St.  lolju   Sapttst. 

PSALM   CXLIII. 

Searching  mid  the  times  long  past, 
Musing  on  God's  Works  that  cast 
Lights  and  shadows  o'er  my  path, — 
Would  I  learn,  by  simple  Faith, 
Sign  of  showers  for  thirsty  ground, 
■Portent  of  decrees  that  in  His  book  are  found. 

Erst,  O!  Lord,  didst  Thou  inspire 
Strains  befitting  prophet's  lyre ; 
Telling, — ere  the  day-spring  came. 
Would  a  Desert-voice  proclaim 
The  advent  of  His  blessed  reign: 
-Duly,  lo !  on  earth,  Elias  stood  again ! 
15 


170  NATIVITY   OF   ST.    JOHN    BAPTIST. 

If  then  too  high  I  aspire, 
Hear  and  pardon  my  desire, 
That  all  reverent  would  rise 
Thro'  the  darkness  where  it  lies, 
Trusting  Thee  to  lift  the  veil ; — 
Enter  not  to  judge  thy  servant  faint  and  frail : 

But,  while  Morning  yet  is  young, 
Let  the  dewy  starlight,  flung 
O'er  me,  serve  to  shew  the  way : 
— So,  when  glows  thy  vengeful  Day, 
No  fore-running  Baptist's  cry 
Shall  I  need  to  tell  me,  Christ  will  soon  pass  by 


See  S.  Luc.  i.  78.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 
Isa.  xl.  3.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 
S.  Matt.  xvii.  12. 


StaBi  of  5t.   |3ctcr  tl)e  :2l|30stle 

PSALM   CXLIV. 

A  SHADOW  flitting  on  the  wall, — 

A  thing  of  nought — a  voiceless  call, — 

Such  are  Life-dreams  and  Man; 
Yet  does  the  Lord  most  kindly  bend 
Unto  our  prayer  and  condescend 

Our  happiness  to  plan ! 

O !  happiest  they,  who  truest  take 
The  Lord  for  God  and  strive  to  make 

Themselves  His  people  blest; 
Whether  in  marvels  weird  He  comes, 
Or  visits,  all  unseen,  their  homes 

With  plenty,  health,  and  rest : 


172      FEAST  OF  ST.  PETER  THE  APOSTLE. 

These  find  Him  (as  His  Saint  once  did) 
Sleep -giving,  in  their  prison  hid 

Or  shining  but  for  them 
To  shew  the  way,  spite  veteran  guards 
And  chains,  thro'  self-unlocking  wards 

Back  once  more  to  Life's  dream. 

Lord  !  we  ask  not  such  wondrous  Light 
In  our  soul-prison  here  and  night ; 

— Only  that  it  be  given 
To  fix  on  Peter's  Rock  our  hope, 
And,  if  sin-fettered  here  we  grope, 

To  be  unloosed  in  Heaven ! 


See  1  Pet.  i.  24.     Act.  xii.  5 — 11.     Epistle  for  the  Day, 
S.  Matt.  xvi.  18,  19.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Itast  of  St.  Iamc0  tlje  ^poatle 

PSALM   CXLVIII. 

O !  PRAISE  the  Lord  of  Heaven, 

O !  praise  Him  in  the  height, — 
Ye,  to  whom  angel-thrones  are  given, 
Ye  harbingers  of  morn  and  even. 
Ye  stars,  by  whom  night's  robe  is  riven. 
Ye  mystic  founts,  above  the  heaven — 

Adore  the  Infinite; 
He  spake  the  Word  by  which  ye  be, 
His  Law  upholds  you  fast  to  all  eternity! 

O !  praise  the  Lord  on  Earth, — 

Thou  monster-holding  deep. 
Ye  lightenings  of  wondrous  birth, 
Ye  clouds,  that  dance  in  wizard  mirth 
To  wild  wind-music, — hills,  that  girth 
The  compass  of  the  peopled  earth, 

— Beasts,  that  her  caverns  keep. 
And  Man,  to  be  all-mastering  meant, — 
Join  to  adore  His  Name,  the  only  Excellent! 
15* 


174  FEAST    OF   ST.    JAMES    THE    APOSTLE. 

With  such  befitting  strain 

(Inspired,  O!  Lord,  by  Thee) 
We  fill  the  House,  which  Thou  dost  deign 
To  call  thine  own;  while  old-age  fain 
For  love  of  Thee  grows  young  again, 
And  childish  voices  swell  the  strain — 

Until  the  melody. 
From  servants  here  that  love  Thee  well, 
Becomes  perchance  a  theme  for  Saints  on  high  who 

dwell. 
No  doubt,  he  with  him  bore 

(Whose  bonor  high  we  own) 
Church-songs  like  these  unto  Heaven's  door, 
That  day  the  young  Apostle  wore. 
First  of  the  band, — what  he  before 
Unwitting  asked,  but  gladly  bore, — 

A  Martyr's  rank  and  crown; 
We  too  shall  find,  when  our  turn  comes, 
Such  lays  the  pass-port  best  to  our  eternal  homes! 

See  Act.  xii.  2.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 
S.  Matt.  XX.  22.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Ita5t  of  St.  Bartljolomctu  tlje  :3lpostU. 

PSALM   CXV. 

He,  who  will  seek 
His  Lord,  with  guileless  heart  and  temper  meek, 

— All  humbler  made 
For  kneeling  oft  beneath  some  fig-tree's  shade, — 

Shall  surely  find 
How  God  e'er  visiteth  the  pure  in  mind ; 

Spite  of  the  cry 
Of  heathendom  or  World-idolatry ! 

The  World  asks  even: 
"Where  is  your  God,  who  (ye  say)  dwells  in  Heaven?" 

— Lord  !  are  thy  signs 
So  faint  then,  or  so  dim  thy  wondrous  lines 

That  none  can  read? 
Or  is  't  not  rather  that  they  will  not  heed — 

Who  grow,  each  day. 
More  like  the  Idols  dull  to  which  they  pray  ? 


176      FEAST    OF   ST.    BARTHOLOMEW    THE    APOSTLE. 

Still,  Thou  apart 
Dost  set  such  as  are  after  thine  own  heart ; 

Succoring  well 
The  housedom  of  thy  faithful  Israel : 

And,  that  thy  Word 
Shall  suffice  for  their  help,  who  fear  the  Lord, — 

A  pledge  divine 
To  this  day  dwells  in  Aaron's  priestly  line ! 

Lord  !  'tis  thy  gift. 
If  we  our  hearts  from  their  drear  silence  lift ; 

Thou  warnist  our  faith 
T 'embrace  the  good  that  comes  from  Nazareth. 

We  may  not  join 
Aught  of  ourselves  with  what  is  wholly  thine, 

But  simply  plead 
That  Thou  wouldst  own  us,  Israelites  indeed ! 


See  3.  Joann.  i.  46.  48. 


Jeast  of  St.  Itlattljttu  tljc  (^van^tVisi. 

PSAL3I  CXVII. 

"To  PUBLICANS  and  sinners,  does  your  Lord 

Vouchsafe  His  gracious  word  ? 
And  does  He  choose  Apostles,  true  and  bold, 

From  such  as  serve  but  gold?" 

So  asked,  one  time,  in  tone  of  scornful  glee, 

The  blinded  Pharisee ; 
Forgetting,  that  God  deems  of  highest  price 

Man's  love,  not  sacrifice. 

O,  Son  of  David !  didst  not  Thou  inspire 

Erst  the  sweet  singer's  lyre  ? 
When,  knowing  how  Thou  wouldst  the  Heathen  raise. 

He  offered  up  tlieir  praise ! 


178      FEAST    OF   ST.    MATTHEW    THE    EVANGELIST. 

And  wilt  Thou  not,  to-day,  our  Gentile  hearts 

Tune  as  well  to  their  parts.? 
That,  called  to  be  from  sordid  world-aims  free, 

We  rise  and  follow  Thee ! 


See  S.  Matt.  ix.  9,  11,  13-     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Itast  of  0t.  iHulja^l  anJr  ^11  ^ngtls 

PSALM  CXIII. 

Bless,  Children  of  the  Lord,  His  Name 

Who  dwells  above  in  Heaven ; 
Whose  praise,  glad  Morning-stars  proclaim 
While  echo  still  repeats  the  same 
Mid  golden  clouds  of  Even ! 

For  all  such  music,  He  yet  stoops 
To  hear  our  humblest  strains ; 
The  simple  heart  in  dust  that  droops, 
The  childless  mother's  fainting  hopes, — 
He,  Merciful,  sustains: 


180       FEAST    OF    ST.    MICHAEL    AND    ALL    ANGELS. 

And  poorest  souls,  that  Men  despise, 
He  lifts  from  this  earth-sphere ; 
Setting  them  mid  those  Powers  of  His, 
Who  angel-princedoms  exercise 
In  Heaven  and  o'er  us  here. 

Lord  !  shall  ours  be  this  wondrous  lot .? 

— Thou  hast  the  answer  given : 
"Their  Angels,  who  on  Earth  have  got 
Most  child-like  spirits  and  devout. 

Stand  nearest  me  in  Heaven !" 


See  S.  Matt,  xviii.  10.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


Jeast  of  St.   £itk£  i\]t  (Bvanqziisi. 

PSALM    CXXXVII. 

O,  SADDEST  hour, 
When  in  a  stranger-land  we  sit  alone ! 

No  gladdening  heart-songs  can  we  then  out-pour: 
But,  like  thine  Israel  erst  by  Babylon, 
Our  harps  apart  are  hung,  their  minstrelsy  all  done ! 

Contemn  us  not, 
O,  Worldlings !  if  at  times  we  drooping  seem ; 

'Tis  not  that  Sion's  music  is  forgot, — 
We  only  wander  in  some  long-loved  dream. 
Or  else  yourselves,  unworthy  auditors  we  deem. 
16 


182  FEAST    OF   ST.    LUKE    THE    EVANGELIST. 

In  such  a  time 
How  sweet,  but  one  true  heart, — familiar  still 

If  fellow-pris'ner  in  that  sickening  clime ; 
Whose  cunning  right-hand  and  remembering  will, 
With  Gospel-melody,  our  heaviness  can  kill ! 

Lord  !  we  have  seen 
Such  grace  in  that  Saint,  whom  we  name  to-day: 

Grant  us  to  have  the  gift  that  his  has  been — 
That,  though  all  others  take  their  separate  way, 
We,  if  alone,  love  near  thy  Captive  Ark  to  stay! 


See  Col.  iv.  14.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 
2  Tim.  iv.  11.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 


Itasi  of 
St.  Simon  anlr   St.   lulre  :2lpo0tle0. 

PSALM   CL. 

Well  end  the  Psalmist's  sacred  Lays ! 
The  last  tones  of  his  hallowed  lyre, 

O'er  which  each  varied  feeling  plays 
That  human  heart  can  know  or  heav'nly  dreams  inspire— 

Swell  into  notes,  so  glad  and  bold. 
As  if  ne'er  sinking  back  to  this  drear  World,  and  cold ! 

True  tablet  of  the  Christian  Life  ! 
Beginning  first  with  golden  hope ; 

Then,  as  the  skies  grow  dim  with  strife. 
In  sin,  remorse,  and  sorrow,  forced  awhile  to  grope ; 

At  last,  all  mournful  music  done. 
Most  joyful  strains  and  clear  attend  the  setting  Sun. 


184     FEAST    OF   ST.    SIMON    AND   ST.    JUDE    APOSTLES. 

Fit  is  it,  that  in  such  a  key 
The  Church  should  keep  their  festival, 
— -Last  of  that  'glorious  Company' 
For  whom  she  stores,  each  year,  a  due  memorial, — 

Praising  Thee  in  thy  holiness 
And  firmament,  wherein  thy  Saints  their  star- thrones 

press. 
We  ask  not  such  high  gifts  as  theirs, 
— Apostle-staff  or  Martyr-crown : 

But  only,  that  our  mortal  cares  [down ; 

'Neath  such  clear  sun-light  be,  mid  thankful  psalms,  laid 

And,  though  in  worldly  hearts  no  Guest, 
That,  till  then,  Thou  thyself  to  us  may'st  manifest ! 


See  S,  Joann.  xiv.  21,  22.     Gospel  for  the  Day, 


Jeast  of  !3lll   Saints. 

PSALM    CXLIX. 

Strike  the  Ha^p  again ! 
Wake  now  a  newer  strain, 
Breathing  else  than  sin  and  pain, 
Fitting  Saints  who  lie 
White-robed,  slumb'rous,  by 
The  Altar  of  Christ's  mystery! 

Lord  !  thine  Israel 
Gladly  the  song  would  swell — 
Sion's  sons,  thy  praises  tell : 
Children  Thou  hast  sealed, — 
Spirits  in  bliss  revealed, 
Emulous  their  tribute  yield. 
16* 


186  FEAST    OF    ALL    SAINTS. 

Not  repose  alone, 
These  Souls  elect  have  won ; 
But,  by  every  golden  throne^ 
A  sword  two-edged  lies, 
Wherewith  to  exercise 
Vengeance  on  thine  enemies. 

Do  we  seek  to  know, 
— Faint,  wancfering  here  below,- 
How  we  to  sucfl^  honor  grow  ^ 
Vain  research,  O !  spare : — 
Saviour  !  long  since  thy  care 
Told  us,  who  the  Blessed  are ! 


See  Rev.vi.  9—11.  iv.  4.  9—11.  xiv  12,  13. 

Rev.  vii.  3.     Epistle  for  the  Day. 

S.  Matt.  V.  3—11.     Gospel  for  the  Day. 


EPODE. 

O,    FITFUL    GLEAMS 

OF    HIDDEN    STREAMS 

WHOSE    MURMUR    SEEMS 
LIKE    HALF-VOICED    HYMNS 

OF    WITNESSES    UNSEEN 

AT    LEAST    ERE    LONG 
LIGHT    ME    AMONG 
THAT    SAINTLY    THRONG 
WHOSE    FAINT-HEARD    SONG 

HAS    MY    DREAM-ECHO    BEEN ! 


BALTi;^ORE  •. 

JOHN     D.      TOT,     PRIKTE3 

ST,  PAUL    STREET. 


